Oromotor stimulation and its application in the care of preterm neonates

Feeding problems are common among preterm babies due to hypotonia, immature oro-motor control, and lack of coordination in sucking, swallowing, and breathing. Oral feeding assistance such as oromotor stimulation are provided to improve their feeding. There is lack of prescribed frequency for application of oromotor stimulation. In India use of oromotor stimulation in preterm neonates is not a regular practice in neonatal intensive care units though studies have found that, it reduces duration of hospital stay, improves sucking frequency, better feeding performance.