GOLD Learning Speakers

In this session, learners will explore the transition from gavage to breastfeeding in the NICU from the perspective of a premature infant. Babies born prematurely or with special needs typically develop safe feeding and swallowing at a slower rate. Early coordination of the swallow may be appreciated between 32 and 34 weeks gestation, with variability depending on degree of prematurity and underlying health conditions. Early breastfeeding success depends on identifying stress cues during feeding, teaching modifications, and keeping a flexible, developmentally sensitive care plan. Participants will learn to recognize bedside clinical signs of aspiration with special discussion of cough maturation and its long-term clinical implications. Providers will be encouraged to support families from early antepartum with imminent preterm delivery, postpartum during the “golden hour” for an exclusively pumping mom, and introduction to Mother’s milk with early swallowing at bedside in the NICU. Working closely with lactation and therapy services ensures appropriate education and successful developmental expectations for the individualized NICU infant. Lastly, as families prepare for home, the importance of an inter-disciplinary team approach with appropriate discharge recommendations and community supports will be highlighted.