Effects of Oral Stimulation Performed by Parents to Improve Sucking in Neonates Hospitalized in the NICU

Launched by HOSPITAL CIVIL DE GUADALAJARA · Jul 1, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying whether gentle mouth and tongue exercises, done by parents, can help premature babies in the NICU improve their ability to suck and feed by mouth. These babies are born early and often need extra help learning to feed. The study will compare two groups: one where a trained physiotherapist does the exercises, and another where parents, after training, perform them. The exercises are done once a day for two weeks and involve gentle touches both around and inside the baby’s mouth.

Babies who might join the study are those born early but now stable enough to try these mouth exercises, specifically between 34 and 36 weeks corrected age (which means their age adjusted for being born early). Babies with certain mouth deformities, serious muscle problems, or who cannot safely feed by mouth will not be included. If you take part, you can expect the parents or physiotherapist to gently perform these exercises daily while the baby is in the hospital. The study will look at how well the baby’s sucking improves, how soon they can feed fully by mouth, when feeding tubes can be removed, and how long the baby stays in the hospital. This research is important because it explores how parents can actively help their babies recover, especially in hospitals where there may be fewer healthcare staff available.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Neonates with corrected gestational age of 34 to 36 weeks
• • Clinically stable to receive oral stimulation
• • Informed consent obtained from parents or legal guardians
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Orofacial congenital malformations
• • Severe neuromuscular disease
• • Conditions contraindicating oral feeding