Heel blood sampling is a routine procedure used in newborn screening; however, it can produce pain, crying, and short-term changes in physiological parameters such as heart rate and oxygen saturation. Non-pharmacological approaches are commonly used to reduce procedural pain in newborns, but the effects of individual methods may be inconsistent. Multisensory stimulation combines several familiar and comforting sensory inputs and may reduce pain by directing attention away from the procedure, supporting autonomic regulation, and decreasing the stress response.
In this study, multisensory stimulation will consist of breastfeeding, gentle stroking of the leg, maternal singing or lullaby, and continuous eye contact between the mother and newborn. Breastfeeding and gentle stroking will begin 10 minutes before heel blood sampling and continue until 5 minutes after the procedure. Maternal singing and eye contact will be maintained throughout the procedure. The control condition will reflect supportive routine care, with the newborn held in the mother's arms during heel blood sampling.
The study will examine whether this structured multisensory approach reduces procedural pain and crying and supports physiological stability in healthy newborns. Pain, heart rate, and oxygen saturation will be assessed before, during, and after heel blood sampling. Crying duration and total procedure duration will also be recorded. The findings may contribute to the development of a safe, practical, and standardized non-pharmacological approach to pain management during routine newborn procedures.
