Research Information System
BREASTFEEDING MEDICINE, vol.21, no.2, pp.129-137, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
Background: Feeding difficulties in premature infants often delay the transition to breastfeeding, prolong hospitalization, and impact oral motor development. While non-nutritive finger feeding (NNFF) has been studied in maternal care, limited evidence exists on paternal involvement. This randomized controlled trial examined the effect of father-administered NNFF on breastfeeding transition, sucking success, and hospitalization outcomes in premature infants.Methods: This single-blind, parallel-group randomized controlled trial was conducted in a Level III NICU in eastern Turkey. Sixty-seven premature infants born at 29-32 weeks of gestation and their fathers were randomized into intervention (n = 34) and control (n = 33) groups. Fathers in the intervention group performed standardized NNFF for 5 minutes, three times daily over 7 consecutive days. The control group received routine care without NNFF. Primary outcome was time to first successful breastfeeding. Secondary outcomes included sucking success (LATCH scores) and hospitalization duration. Statistical analyses included t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, repeated measures ANOVA, and logistic regression.Results: The intervention group achieved earlier breastfeeding initiation (9.65 +/- 5.78 versus 13.88 +/- 6.27 days, p = 0.005), faster breastfeeding acceptance (8.94 +/- 5.59 versus 12.61 +/- 5.74 days, p = 0.010), and shorter hospitalization (11.79 +/- 7.19 versus 15.85 +/- 6.76 days, p = 0.021). Logistic regression confirmed the predictive value of NNFF on breastfeeding initiation, hospital stay, and LATCH scores.Conclusion: Father-led NNFF is a safe, feasible intervention that accelerates breastfeeding transition, improves early sucking success, and reduces hospitalization in premature infants.