EVALUATION OF OROFACIAL CHARACTERISTICS AND BREASTFEEDING IN PRETERM NEWBORNS BEFORE HOSPITAL DISCHARGE Avaliação das características orofaciais e da amamentação de recém-nascidos prematuros antes da alta hospitalar

Conflict of interest: non-existent extensor posturing and missing or incomplete oral reflexes 4.5. In addition, difficulties may occur in carrying out oral motor skills such as: lingual mobility alterations, exaggerated jaw opening, insufficient lip closure and reduction of fat deposits in the cheeks. These alterations affect remaining sucking strength and therefore result in a loss of rhythm and necessary force to effectively breastfeed6. These characteristics complicate oral feeding in the first moments of life. Similarly, when the PN has an initial difficulty in the feeding process future impairments in overall development may occur7. However, these initial difficulties can be reversed so as to promote a positive relationship between the PN, the environment and breastfeeding 8. Breastfeeding ensures survival, growth and „ INTRODUCTION