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Premature Infant Oral Motor Intervention vs. Pacifier for Oral Feeding Transition in Preterm Infants
Sponsor: University of Baghdad
Summary
This study compares three approaches to help premature babies learn to feed by mouth: a special mouth exercise program (called PIOMI), using a pacifier, and standard care. Premature babies often have difficulty feeding because their sucking, swallowing, and breathing are not yet coordinated, which can lead to longer hospital stays. The study will include 150 premature infants born between 26 and 32 weeks of pregnancy at a hospital in Thi Qar. Babies will be randomly placed into one of three groups: one group will receive a many-day mouth exercise program, another will use a pacifier for many days, and the third will receive routine care. We will measure how quickly each baby learns to feed fully by mouth, how long they stay in the hospital, how much weight they gain, and their feeding skills. The results may help improve care for premature babies and reduce the time they spend in the hospital.
Official title: The Effect of the Premature Infant Oral Motor Intervention Versus Pacifier Use in the Transition to Oral Feeding in Preterm Infants
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
1 Day - 28 Days
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
150
Start Date
2026-03-10
Completion Date
2026-05-30
Last Updated
2026-03-10
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Premature Infant Oral Motor Intervention (PIOMI)
A structured, evidence-based protocol of perioral and intraoral stimulation administered once daily for 7 consecutive days (5-10 minutes per session). The protocol includes systematic stimulation of the cheeks, lips, gums, tongue, and palate, followed by facilitation of sucking movements. The intervention is initiated once the infant is medically stable (typically 29-32 weeks postmenstrual age) to enhance oromotor function, improve coordination of sucking-swallowing-breathing, and accelerate the transition to full oral feeding.
Pacifier Use (Non-Nutritive Sucking)
Provision of a standard silicone pacifier for non-nutritive sucking. The pacifier is offered during gavage feeding sessions and at times when the infant is awake and calm, for approximately 5-10 minutes per session, once daily for 7 consecutive days. This intervention is initiated once the infant is medically stable (typically 29-32 weeks postmenstrual age) and is provided without any additional structured oral stimulation. The objective is to evaluate the effect of passive sucking on oral feeding readiness and organization.
Locations (1)
Al-Habobi Teaching Hospital
Nasiriyah, Thi Qar, Iraq