Push versus gravity for intermittent bolus gavage tube feeding of premature and low birth weight infants (Review)

Infants born prematurely (before 37 weeks) may be unable to coordinate sucking, swallowing and breathing, and require gavage feeding. In gavage feeding, milk is delivered intermittently through a tube passed via the nose or mouth into the stomach. Intermittent bolus milk feeds may be administered using a syringe to gently push milk into the infant's stomach (push feed). Alternatively, milk can be poured into a syringe attached to the tube and allowed to drip in by gravity (gravity feed). There is insufficient evidence from randomised trials comparing push versus gravity intermittent gavage tube feeding in premature or low birth weight infants (less than 2500 grams) to inform practice.