What method of feeding is advised for infants between 32 to 34 weeks of gestation?

For infants born between 32 to 34 weeks of gestation, the recommended method of feeding is typically the paladai method. This involves using a small ladle or spoon-like device to give small amounts of milk or formula, which helps in encouraging oral feeding while minimizing the risks associated with sucking from a bottle or breastfeeding at this early gestational age.

At this stage, many infants are not yet fully capable of breastfeeding due to their neurological and physical immaturity. The paladai method provides a gentle approach that allows these premature infants to gradually develop their feeding skills while ensuring they receive the necessary nutrition. It facilitates the establishment of an oral feeding pattern without overwhelming the infant, which can occur with the more vigorous sucking required for breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.

In contrast, other feeding methods such as nasal gastric (NG) or oro-gastric (oroG) tube feeding are utilized when infants are unable to feed orally due to various reasons, including respiratory distress or other medical conditions. While this method may be necessary for some infants, it does not encourage the feeding transition process as effectively as the paladai method does for those who are beginning to show readiness for oral feeding. Thus, the paladai method is the most suitable option for the specific gestational