Nonnutritive sucking during gavage feeding enhances growth and maturation in premature infants.

The effects of nonnutritive sucking (NNS) by means of a pacifier during gavage feeding were studied in 30 premature infants whose birth weight was less than 1,500 g. The addition of NNS accelerated the maturation of the sucking reflex, facilitating a more rapid transition from gavage to oral feedings. Additionally, NNS decreased intestinal transit time and caused a more rapid weight gain despite comparable caloric intake resulting in a shortened hospital stay. Although the physiologic mechanisms resulting from this form of oral stimulation remain to be investigated, our data suggest that NNS may be an important factor to consider in the feeding of premature infants.