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NCT Number: NCT07580677

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

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Comfort in Neonates Behavior Breast Feeding Breast-feeding Feeding Behavior Kangaroo Care Pain in Newborns

Age range

24 hour–1 day

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Sivas Cumhuriyet Üniversitesi Sağlık Hizmetleri Uygulama ve Araştırma Hastanesinde Kadın Hastalıkları Obs-tetri servisi

Sivas, Merkez, 58030, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Heel prick blood sampling is one of the invasive procedures frequently performed in divorces. Ensuring the proper continuation and survival of fractures that occur during this procedure is of great importance. Nurses have responsibilities regarding the identification of cooling and comfort components of equipment, the operation of appropriate interventions using this equipment, and the maintenance of basic comfort enhancement. While there are limited industrial studies on the combined use of breastfeeding and kangaroo care for pain relief, no studies have been found that evaluate pain and temperature together. There is a need for current reports on monitoring, prevention, and treatment related to pain control in preterm and term newborns monitored both in and out of hospitals. In this context, the aim of our study is to determine the duration of pain and temperature associated with breastfeeding and kangaroo care applied before heel prick blood sampling in newborns.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Parental consent must be obtained in accordance with the participant information and consent form
  • The baby must be term, between 37-42 weeks gestation
  • Birth weight must be 2500 grams or more
  • The mother must be present with the baby
  • The baby must be healthy (no physical, metabolic, or genetic diseases, no surgical procedures have been performed)
  • There must be no condition that prevents pain assessment (neuromotor developmental delay, etc.)
  • The baby must not have undergone any invasive procedures other than routine interventions
  • The baby must have been born by cesarean section
  • The mother must speak and understand Turkish fluently

Exclusion criteria

  • Pre-procedure NIPS score of 3 or higher
  • Lack of parental consent based on participant information and consent form
  • Newborn born before 37 weeks of gestation
  • Birth weight under 2500 grams
  • Unstable general condition
  • Vaginal delivery
  • Invasive procedures performed on the baby other than routine procedures
  • Failure to obtain heel prick blood on the first attempt
  • Mother not speaking Turkish

Treatment and study plan

breastfeeding

Other

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.

Kangaroo Care

Other

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.

Standard Care (in control arm)

Other

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.

Primary outcomes

  1. Determining the appropriate interval for breastfeeding and kangaroo care in newborns before heel prick blood sampling, as well as assessing pain and temperature.

    Time frame: about a year

    Newborn Infant Pain Scale Assessment Form: The NIPS Form is used to assess pain and consists of six behavioral responses: facial expression, emission pattern, arms, fullness, and volume. Crying performance is given three points (0-1-2), while other behaviors are given only two points (0-1). The total score is calculated based on the Neonatal Pain Scale, with a maximum score of 7 and a minimum score of 0. A NIPS score between 0-2 indicates no pain and requires no intervention. A pain score between 3-4 indicates moderate acoustic pain, and complementary and alternative interventions are applied. A pain score above four suggests complementary and alternative Neonatal Comfort Behavior Scale (NICS): Each item on the scale is scored from 1 to 5. The overall score is used for evaluation. The lowest possible score on the Newborn Comfort Behavior Scale is 6, and the highest is 30. A total score between 9-13 indicates that the baby is comfortable, while a score between 14-30 indicates that th

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Cumhuriyet University

Other

Collaborators

  • Cumhuriyet University Hospital

Registry information

Official study title

The Effect of Breastfeedıng and Kangaroo Care Applıed Before Heel Blood Collectıon on Newborn Paın and Comfort: A Randomızed Controlled Study

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
May 12, 2026
Registry last updated
May 12, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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