Feeding preterm infants. Schedule or demand?

Weight gain, length of hospitalization, and feeding behaviors were compared for preterm infants who were fed on demand (n = 15) with preterm infants who were fed on a schedule (n = 14). Weight gain and hospital stays were similar for both groups, and self-regulated feeding was found to be safe for physiologically stable infants. Benefits related to feeding behaviors included longer rest periods between interventions and the opportunity for infants to demonstrate hunger cues. The study findings indicate that feeding on demand may enhance contingency interactions between parents and their preterm infants.