The Effect of Breastfeedıng and Kangaroo Care Applıed Before Heel Blood Collectıon on Newborn Paın and Comfort

Summary

This research will be conducted using a randomized controlled, double-blind experimental design to determine the effects of breastfeeding and kangaroo care on the pain and comfort of newborn babies before heel prick blood sampling. The study group will consist of newborn babies, and one of the observers administering the pain and comfort scores will be independent of the research participants, with the observer evaluating the babies without knowing which group they belong to.

Study Hypotheses H0a = Breastfeeding before heel prick test in newborns does not affect the baby's pain.

H1a = Breastfeeding before heel prick test in newborns reduces the baby's pain. H0b = Kangaroo care before heel prick test in newborns does not affect the baby's pain.

H1b = Kangaroo care before heel prick test in newborns reduces the baby's pain. H0c = Breastfeeding before heel prick test in newborns does not affect the baby's comfort level.

H1c = Breastfeeding before heel prick test in newborns increases the baby's comfort level.

H0d = Kangaroo care before heel prick test in newborns does not affect the baby's comfort level.

H1d = Kangaroo care before heel prick test in newborns increases the baby's comfort level.

The research is planned to be conducted at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Sivas Cumhuriyet University Women's and Children's Hospital in Sivas city center between February 1, 2025 and March 1, 2026.

The study population will consist of newborns born by cesarean section and admitted to the Obstetrics and Gynecology ward of Sivas Cumhuriyet University Health Services Application and Research Hospital. The study sample will comprise newborns born by cesarean section and admitted to the Obstetrics and Gynecology ward of Sivas Cumhuriyet University Health Services Application and Research Hospital who meet the study criteria. The study (breastfeeding group, kangaroo care group) and control groups will consist of a total of 120 newborns.

The following instruments will be used to collect research data: Newborn and Parent Demographic Information Form, Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS), Neonatal Comfort Behavior Scale, informed consent form, and Blinded Evaluator NIPS form. The study will also utilize a pulse oximeter, a camera, and a stopwatch.

Conditions

• Comfort in Neonates
• Kangaroo Care
• Breast-feeding
• Pain in Newborns

Interventions

OTHER

breastfeeding

Before the heel prick blood test, a newborn information form and a parent identification form will be completed. Parents will be given information about breastfeeding, and physiological parameters, NIPS (Neural Network Indicators), and comfort behavior will be evaluated before the procedure. Each baby in the group will be breastfed for 15-30 minutes before the heel prick blood test. Physiological parameters, NIPS, and comfort behavior will be evaluated during and after the procedure. In addition, the duration of the newborn's crying will be recorded with a stopwatch during the heel prick blood test. The newborn will be recorded with a camera during the procedure for evaluation by the blind evaluator.

OTHER

Kangaroo Care

Before the procedure, a newborn information form and a parent identification form will be completed. Parents will be given information about kangaroo care, and physiological parameters, NIPS (Neural Network Indicators), and comfort behavior will be evaluated before the procedure. Each baby in the group will be provided with kangaroo care for 30 minutes before the heel prick blood sample is taken. Physiological parameters, NIPS, and comfort behavior will be evaluated during and after the procedure. In addition, the duration of the newborn's crying will be recorded with a stopwatch during the procedure. The newborn will be recorded with a camera during the procedure for evaluation by the blind evaluator.

OTHER

Standard Care (in control arm)

No intervention will be performed. Routine hospital procedure will be applied.Physiological parameters, NIPS (Neuro-Visual Imaging System), and comfort behavior will be evaluated before, during, and after the procedure. Additionally, the newborn's crying duration will be recorded using a stopwatch during the procedure. The newborn will also be recorded on camera during the procedure for evaluation by a blind evaluator.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Cumhuriyet University Hospital

  collaborator OTHER

• Cumhuriyet University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• FERDAĞ YILDIRIM · SİVAS CUMHURİYET ÜNİVERSİTESİ SAĞLIK HİZMETLERİ MESLEK YÜKSEKOKULU

• EMİNE ALTUN YILMAZ · SİVAS CUMHURİYET ÜNİVERSİTESİ SAĞLIK BİLİMLERİ FAKÜLTESİ HEMŞİRELİK BÖLÜMÜ

Study Design

Allocation

NON_RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

FACTORIAL

Eligibility

Min Age

24 Hours

Max Age

1 Day

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-02-20

Primary Completion

2026-01-01

Completion

2026-01-01

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations