Introduction

Feeding difficulties in late preterm infants

What to feed

How to feed

Effect of smell and taste on feeding

Future research focus

Disclosure

References

Abstract

Late preterm infants comprise the majority of preterm infants, yet there are few data to support best nutritional practice for these infants. Breastmilk is considered the best choice of enteral feeding for late preterm infants. However, supplementation of breastmilk may be indicated to promote optimal growth. Preterm formulas can be used for supplementation of breastmilk or as a breastmilk substitute but there is little evidence for their use in the late preterm infant. Feeding difficulties are common and some infants require intravenous nutritional support soon after birth. Others require tube feeding until full sucking feeds are established. Future research should focus on whether nutritional support of late preterm babies pending exclusive breastfeeding influences growth, body composition and long-term outcomes of late preterm infants and, if so, how nutritional interventions can optimise these outcomes.

Introduction

Late preterm infants are defined as infants born between 34 completed weeks and 36 weeks and 6 days of gestation.1 The rate of late preterm birth rose 20% from 1990 to 2006 in the United States2 and, in 2002, 74% of singleton preterm births in the United States were late preterm births.3 Although these infants may be born at a similar size to term infants, they are less mature and experience increased mortality and morbidity.