Effect of Left and Right Semi-Elevated Side-Lying Positions on Feeding Performance of Preterm Infants

To determine the effect of right and left semi-elevated side-lying positions on the feeding performance and skills of bottle-fed preterm infants. A single-group, crossover experimental study. Level 3 NICU of a training and research hospital in Istanbul. A total of 60 preterm infants born at 24 to 36 6/7 weeks gestation. We collected data using an infant information form, feeding observation form, and the Turkish version of the Early Feeding Skills Assessment (EFS-Turkish). For each infant, we collected data for two feeds: one in the right and one in the left semi-elevated side-lying position. We found no difference between the right and left semi-elevated side-lying positions in the volume or percentage of food taken (p = .582 and p = .625, respectively), feeding duration (p = .901), or feeding efficiency (p = .423). We observed no significant differences between feedings in the left and right semi-elevated side-lying positions in mean EFS-Turkish total score (p = .251) or subscale scores (p > .05). Neonatal nurses can feed preterm infants in both directions of the semi-elevated side-lying position when following evidence-based feeding guidelines. The authors found no differences in volume or percentage of food taken, feed duration, or feeding efficiency between the left and right semi-elevated side-lying positions for preterm infants.