Nonnutritive sucking: adaptation and health for the neonate.

Nonnutritive sucking has been found to affect movement, sleep, state regulation and arousal, oxygenation, and nutrition and growth. Its quality is used as an indicator of central nervous system well-being. Speculations have been suggested about improved outcomes from respiratory distress syndrome, patent ductus arteriosus, and necrotizing enterocolitis. The possible effect of sucking movements on attachment between mother and infant has also been described. Further research in the many areas in which this sucking phenomenon has effects are indicated. Exploration of the impact of nonnutritive sucking on the preterm infant of less than 28 weeks gestation and less than 800 gm and on the infant with bronchopulmonary dysplasia is recommended. Further research also needs to focus on implications of clinical applications of these findings to nursing care.