Effect of Paternal Touch on Sucking Performance, Comfort, and Glucose Levels in Newborns at Risk for Hypoglycemia

Summary

This randomized controlled trial aims to examine the effects of Gentle Human Touch applied by fathers during the first hours of life on sucking performance, comfort level, and blood glucose values in newborns at risk for hypoglycemia. Eligible newborns will be randomly assigned to intervention and control groups.

After the newborn is taken to the baby care room and routine care procedures are completed, comfort level will be assessed by the primary nurse and an independent second observer using the Neonatal Comfort and Behavior Scale (NCBS). In the intervention group, the first Gentle Human Touch application will begin after routine care and the initial comfort assessment are completed. Sucking performance will be assessed during the first breastfeeding session by the primary nurse and an independent observer using the LATCH Breastfeeding Assessment Tool.

In the intervention group, fathers will administer 15-minute Gentle Human Touch sessions every hour for six hours according to a structured protocol. In the control group, routine care will be provided without any additional touch.

In both the intervention and control groups, blood glucose levels will be measured at the 2nd hour according to clinical protocols. At the 6th hour, the newborn's comfort level (NCBS), sucking performance (LATCH), and blood glucose level will be reassessed and recorded.

This study aims to determine whether early paternal touch supports glucose stability, improves sucking performance, and enhances comfort in newborns at risk for hypoglycemia, and to contribute to the development of family-centered, non-invasive care practices in neonatal settings.

Conditions

• Infant, Newborn

Interventions

PROCEDURE

Gentle Human Touch

The father will apply Gentle Human Touch (GHT) following a structured protocol. After the newborn's routine care and baseline comfort assessment are completed in the baby care room, the first GHT session will begin. The father will place warm, steady hands on the newborn's head and pelvis, providing gentle, still touch for 15 minutes. This intervention will be repeated once every hour for the first 6 hours of life (a total of 6 sessions). No other additional interventions will be applied. Feeding performance, comfort level, and blood glucose values will be assessed according to the study protocol.

OTHER

Standard Care Group

Newborns in this group will receive routine clinical care only. No Gentle Human Touch or any other additional intervention will be applied. Baseline comfort assessment will be performed after routine care, and feeding performance, comfort level, and blood glucose values will be evaluated at the same time points as in the intervention group.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Acibadem University

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

1 Hour

Max Age

6 Hours

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-01-05

Primary Completion

2027-12-08

Completion

2027-12-08

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations