TO COMPARE GAVAGE, CUP AND PALADY FEEDING METHODS IN TERMS OF ECONOMY IN PRETERM NEWBORN

Abstract

Background: UNICEF and WHO recommended that children be exclusively breastfed during the first six months of life. Breast milk is uncontaminated and contains all nutrients necessary for children in the first few months of life.

Methods: This randomized control trial conducted at Umaid hospital, attached to Dr. S.N Medical College, Jodhpur. All preterm neonates with a gestational age between 30 to 34 weeks as defined below were included in the study after a written informed consent. A total of 100 neonates, those meeting the inclusion criteria were taken in the study.  These neonates were randomized into four groups – NG group, OG group, Palady group, and Cup group by block randomization comprising of 25 neonates each.

Results- The mean expenditure in NG, OG, PALADY and CUP groups were 15427±10317 Rs., 17065±6807 Rs., 9231±1790 Rs. and 7319±1657 Rs. respectively. The difference was statistically significant for NG vs PALADY, NG vs CUP, OG vs PALADY, OG vs CUP and PALADY vs CUP.

Conclusion: we conclude that feeding in preterm low birth weight neonates who cannot breast feed is best achieved by cup which was found to be the most economical method. Neonates on cup feeding required less expertise. Once mastered under supervision, cup feeding can be used independently in-home setting and in remote areas with less technical manpower at hand.

Keywords: Feeding, Cup, Palady, OG.