Effectiveness of non-nutritive sucking technique on sucking reflex among preterm babies

The Breastfeeding for preterm babies is a major challenge. Non-nutritive sucking technique has been shown to be beneficial during hospitalization. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of non-nutritive sucking technique on sucking reflex among 60 preterm babies by assessing pre-test signs of sucking reflex followed by initiation of non-nutritive sucking and assessment of post test sucking reflex on day seven. The results revealed that there was a statistically significant difference between pre test and post test score with't' value 30.41. Thus non-nutritive sucking technique was an effective positive reinforcement for increasing sucking reflex among preterm babies.