Abstract:
Available evidence of oral sensorimotor interventions for small neonates is not strong.
Evidence of interventions for sick term neonates is largely lacking. Studies are limited by risk
of bias and inconsistency. Evidence of interventions relying on a single stimulation technique
only appears to be low to very low. Ongoing research is required.
CONTRIBUTION : We describe a five-component neonatal swallowing and breastfeeding
intervention programme embedded in the practice of kangaroo mother care (KMC). Drawing on
oropharyngeal physiology, neonatology, neurodevelopmental care, breastfeeding- and KMC
science, the programme is the product of collaboration between a speech-language therapist and
a medical doctor, and their team. Its implementation is dependent on coaching mothers and the
neonatal care team. Researchers are invited to determine outcomes of the programme.
Description:
DATA AVAILABILITY : This is a clinical perspective article, based on description of
available research and clinical experience. No original
research was conducted that generated new data. Data
sharing is therefore not applicable to this article, as no new
data were created or analysed in this study.
