Which statement is NOT a benefit of non-nutritive sucking in the enterally fed neonate?

Which statement is NOT a benefit of non-nutritive sucking in the enterally fed neonate?

• A. Improves digestion of enteral feedings
• B. Stimulates secretion of lingual lipase, gastrin, insulin and motilin through vagal innervation in the oral mucosa
• C. May prevent subsequent development of an oral aversion when the child is physiologically capable of oral feeding
• D. Delays oral feeding when developmentally appropriate

Answer: (D)

Non-nutritive sucking provides soothing oral stimulation that can actually support feeding readiness and digestive processes in enterally fed neonates. The act of sucking triggers vagal reflexes in the oral mucosa that can promote secretion of enzymes and GI hormones, such as lingual lipase, gastrin, and motilin, and even stimulate insulin release. This hormonal and enzymatic activity helps digestion and can improve tolerance to feedings. The oral experience also helps develop oral motor function and can reduce the risk of later oral aversion, making the transition to oral feeding more likely when the baby is developmentally ready. Delaying oral feeding when it is developmentally appropriate goes against these benefits, so it is not a benefit of non-nutritive sucking.

Non-nutritive sucking provides soothing oral stimulation that can actually support feeding readiness and digestive processes in enterally fed neonates. The act of sucking triggers vagal reflexes in the oral mucosa that can promote secretion of enzymes and GI hormones, such as lingual lipase, gastrin, and motilin, and even stimulate insulin release. This hormonal and enzymatic activity helps digestion and can improve tolerance to feedings. The oral experience also helps develop oral motor function and can reduce the risk of later oral aversion, making the transition to oral feeding more likely when the baby is developmentally ready. Delaying oral feeding when it is developmentally appropriate goes against these benefits, so it is not a benefit of non-nutritive sucking.