The Prehabilitative Effect of the Premature Infant Oral Motor Intervention (PIOMI) on Breastfeeding Duration up to 12 Months Post Discharge

Purpose: To examine the effect of the Premature Infant Oral Motor Intervention (PIOMI) on breastfeeding duration after discharge, as well as weight gain, up to 12 months of noncorrected age. Background: Preterm infants face difficulties breastfeeding due to immature oral motor skills. Prehabilitative oral motor therapy during early preterm hospitalization may enhance breastfeeding initiation and duration post discharge. Methods: The randomized controlled trial was carried out with 64 preterm infants, with intervention 1× day for 14 days while hospitalized, and follow-up measures made at 6, 9, and 12 months. The control group (n = 32) received standard routine care. The experimental group (n = 32) received PIOMI treatment. Results: Breastfeeding duration in the experimental group was a mean of approximately 4 months longer when compared to the control group ( P < .05). Additionally, the mean body weights of the preterm infants in the experimental group were significantly higher at 12 months than in the control group ( P < .05). Conclusions: Early prehabilitative therapy using PIOMI in the preterm period has long-term sustained positive effects on breastfeeding and weight gain post discharge. Implications for practice and research: Evidence-based practices are required to support the breastfeeding of the premature infant. Future studies should continue to assess oral motor interventions on initiation and duration of breastfeeding, and the impact on early childhood development. Parent involvement in therapy should also be examined.