Parents should be educated on the recognition of feeding
cues and how to feed a late-preterm infant with an
uncoordinated suck. Proper positioning for feeding, the
need for scheduled feedings to support weight gain, what to
do if the infant starts to choke, and when to notify the primary
care provider of concerns or symptoms must all be
discussed with the new parents prior to discharge of their
late-preterm infant (Ludwig, 2007). Signs of dehydration
should also be explained to parents, such as low urine output,
poor skin turgor, dry eyes and skin, pale and cool skin,
and lethargy (Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric
and Neonatal Nurses [AWHONN], 2010).