Oromotor Stimulation Techniques in Preterm Neonates: The Utility and Significance in the Current Context

Abstract

The transition from orogastric feeds to independent oral feeds is a giant leap for a preterm neonate, especially for an extremely preterm neonate. These neonates have an immature neuronal control, weak oral musculature, and poor coordination of sucking, swallowing and respiration. Oromotor stimulation (OMS) techniques are helpful for such neonates by increasing oral muscle tone, improving coordination of sucking and swallowing, and enhancing overall feeding performance. Amongst the many techniques, the preterm infant oromotor intervention is the most popular and widely researched technique. Despite growing evidence of its benefits, OMS techniques suffer from serious limitations such as the need for specialised healthcare professionals for the intervention, uncertainty about the appropriate duration, frequency and appropriate gestational age for initiation of the intervention, along with a lack of robust evidence regarding its overall benefits, which has limited wider confidence and routine implementation of this technique in neonatal units nationwide. Despite its present limitations, OMS has strong potential and is likely to be of great benefit for a specific group of neonates, such as those on prolonged ventilatory support and with other complications.