The Effect of the Finger Feeding Method Applied by Fathers on the Transition Time to Oral Feeding and Sucking Success in Premature Babies

This study focuses on helping premature babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit transition more effectively to oral feeding. It aims to explore whether a method called the "finger feeding method," applied by fathers, can improve the success of babies learning to feed by mouth. It involves fathers gently allowing their babies to suck on their fingers before regular feeding times. The study seeks to improve the speed and success of oral feeding in these vulnerable infants, potentially enhancing their overall development and wellbeing. In this study, premature babies are placed into two groups. One group, the experimental group, receives the finger feeding method, where fathers let their babies suck on their fingers for five minutes before nasogastric feeding, three times daily for seven days. The control group receives standard care without this additional stimulation. Researchers use tools like the Preterm Baby Monitoring Form and LATCH Breastfeeding Diagnostic Measurement Tool to assess how quickly the babies transition to oral feeding and how successful they are at breastfeeding. This method provides a safe way to encourage feeding skills in premature infants, with the potential benefit of faster development. There are no specified risks involved in the study.