Effects of pacifier use on transition to full breastfeeding and sucking skills in preterm infants: a randomised controlled trial.
A number of studies have found that using a soother helps premature babies as they learn to coordinate breathing, sucking and swallowing.1 In many cases, the transition from tube feeding to full oral feeding is difficult and can last several days. This can lead to insufficient weight gain, a re- turn to tube feeding and an extended stay in hospital. Scientific evidence from these studies shows that soothers can have a positive effect on NNS ability in premature babies and ease the transition to oral feeding.
This prospective, randomised and con- trolled study was carried out between 1 November 2013 and 1 March 2014 at a neonatal intensive care unit at Atatürk University Hospital in the east of Turkey. 75 premature babies were included in the study and split into two groups. The premature babies in the first group were given soothers while the those in the second group were not.
The following comparisons were made between both groups: