Feeding Difficulties in Late Preterm Infants and their Impact on Speech and Language Development

Background/Objectives: The study aimed to compare feeding difficulties (FD) in Slovenian late preterm infants (LPIs) and full-term infants (FTIs), to identify risk factors for FD, and to examine a possible association between FD and later speech-language disorders (SLD) among LPIs. Methods: Parents of 177 children (nLPI = 89; nFTI = 88), born at Ljubljana Maternity Hospital between 1 July 2021 and 30 June 2022 completed a questionnaire providing general information on their child, the child’s health, birth history, and development of feeding, swallowing, and speech-language skills. Additional clinical data were obtained from medical documentation. Using these data, comparisons were made between LPIs and FTIs, and within the LPI group according to the presence or absence of FD and SLD. Results: LPIs experienced significantly more FD than FTIs (32.6% vs 11.4%, p < 0.001). They were breastfed less frequently (68.5% vs 94.3%, p < 0.001) and had a shorter breastfeeding duration (13.8 months vs 17.3 months, p = 0.038). LPIs also demonstrated more challenges in speech and language development (34.1% vs 15.3%, p = 0.004). However, no significant association was found between FD and later SLD (p = 0.324). Conclusions: Slovenian LPIs are at increased risk of both FD and SLD. The findings highlight the importance of high-quality preventive care and timely multidisciplinary interventions.