Feeding in the NICU: Comparing Bolus and Continuous Feedings

Abstract

The debate regarding the best feeding method for premature infants is ongoing. Should they be nourished by bolus or continuous feeding? The purpose of this review of literature was to determine best practice for feeding patients among the neonatal population who are prone to feeding intolerances and gastrointestinal complications. Literature search of Cochrane, CINAHL, Medline, and EBSCOhost databases was performed. The results of the literature review have shown that there are conflicting results as to whether one feeding method is safer than the other or if one method is more likely to increase or decrease the chances that a preterm infant will develop NEC. Further research is needed in order to establish results of the safest feeding method among premature infants. Perhaps additional randomized control trials (RCT) would be the best type of quantitative experimental study to be used to evaluate the safety and efficacy of continuous versus bolus enteric feedings among premature infants.