Implementation of Cue-Based Feeding in a Level III NICU

Recent literature suggests that premature infants are better served by an infant-driven feeding practice rather than the historical volume and time-driven model. Until recently, our unit (a large 83-bed Level III center) followed the practice of countless other units—the infant was fed according to the physician's orders with little attention paid to developmental cues regarding feedings. However, we learned that studies have shown that paying attention to developmental cues may shorten the length of time it takes infants to attain full feedings, thereby shortening their length of stay.^1,2 Our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU ) determined that we would change our volume-driven model to a more developmentally appropriate, individualized feeding practice.