The aim of this study was to describe the speech-language therapy regarding the adequation of the feeding function by assessing and treating the stomatognathic system and its functions. The study was carried out based on a case report of a preterm newborn infant with gastroschisis, who was tube fed while assisted in the Neonatology division of Lutheran Hospital, from 3/29/2005 to 4/22/2005. The speech-language pathology assessment was carried out according to a standardized protocol used at the Neonatology service, and showed the following results: the stomatognathic system structures, regarding posture, conformation and mobility, were normal; oral reflexes were present; strength and rhythm were suitable during non-nutritional sucking; the oral sensitiveness was impaired, with an anterior and overactive gag reflex; there was a sign of stress through breathing alteration during nutritional sucking with the bottle, and difficulties in sucking during breastfeeding. Three weekly sessions of speech-language therapy were carried out, and the nursing staff received orientations to continue the oral stimulation during the other days. In one of the sessions the mother received orientations about the benefits of breastfeeding and the importance of the right use of pacifiers and orthodontic bottle teats in order to promote an adequate development of the oral functions. The newborn was discharged with no oral alterations; he was being breastfed and had bottle-feeding as complement, which suggests the effectiveness of speech-language pathology intervention to the adequation of feeding functions.
Infant, premature; Gastroschisis; Breast feeding; Feeding behavior; Stomatognathic system