Effects of Exposure to Maternal Voice on Feeding Transition Outcomes in Preterm Infants

BACKGROUND: Feeding difficulties in preterm infants prolong transitions to full oral feeding and worsen developmental outcomes. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the effects of maternal voice exposure on feeding transition outcomes in this group. METHODS: This quasi-experimental, nonrandomized study enrolled 62 preterm infants (≤34 weeks gestation) in a Taiwanese tertiary neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The intervention group (n = 31) received 15 minutes recorded maternal voice sessions twice daily for 10 days, standardized for visitation restrictions. The control group (n = 31) received standard care. Primary outcomes were feeding transition duration and oral feeding efficiency (mL/min). Secondary outcomes included feeding intolerance and duration of nasogastric tube, independent oral feeding, and hospital stay. Data were analyzed using chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: Exposure to maternal voice recordings shortened the feeding transition period (P < .001), increased oral feeding efficiency (P = .003), reduced feeding intolerance (P = .006), and shortened the duration to independent oral feeding (P < .001). However, no significant differences were observed in nasogastric tube duration, NICU stay, or total hospital days. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal voice exposure improved feeding-related outcomes in preterm infants. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Maternal voice recordings represent a safe, low-cost, nursing-led developmental care intervention that can be integrated into routine NICU feeding care.