05/28/2026
In May, National Critical Care Awareness and Recognition Month, we recognize and honor our rehabilitation therapists working in the NICUs.
New research is reinforcing what many NICU clinicians already know: earlier is better.
A study of 536 preterm infants found that earlier initiation of feeding therapy was associated with earlier achievement of independent oral feeding, even in medically complex cases.
The takeaway? Timely referrals support oral motor development and can meaningfully shape a preterm infant's feeding journey.
As we recognize critical care this month, let's keep early intervention top of mind.
See comments for the link to the research study.