Improving bottle feeding in preterm infants: Investigating the elevated side-lying position

Limited research is available on the optimal feeding position for bottle fed premature infants. A pilot study is described which tests a method for comparing the efficiency of different positions. The commonly used semi-upright position and the elevated side-lying (ESL) position are compared in a small number of infants. Greater physiological stability (measured by heart rate and oxygen saturation) was seen during the mid points of feeds in the ESL position. The results suggest that a larger study is justified.