Deglutition Disorders in Infants

Feeding dysfunction remains a major unmet challenge among neonatal ICU survivors, frequently leading to prolonged tube feeding or gastrostomy at discharge, increased healthcare utilization, substantial socioeconomic burden, and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. This randomized controlled trial will evaluate the innovative Parent-Implemented Oral Nutrition, Eating, and Esophageal Reflexes Reintegration (PIONEER) protocol to advance understanding of swallowing physiology and establish a safe, effective, family-centered feeding intervention. Successful completion of this study has the potential to reduce gastrostomy dependence, improve long-term health and quality of life, and transform standards of neonatal feeding care in alignment with NIH missions and priorities.