Nippling management of the sick neonate in the NICU: the disorganized feeder.

With increased understanding of the feeding needs of high-risk sick neonates, nurses can facilitate adequate weight gain and promote earlier discharges. Disorganization in feeding is usually a temporary problem that caregivers and nurses can help resolve with adequate awareness. Immaturity, severity of illness, prolonged intensive care, and gestational age all contribute to it. Caregivers can successfully feed this disorganized feeder if they recognize the signs and implement environmental and protective measures to facilitate self-regulation, which will hopefully foster organized feeding behaviors.