The Effect of Maternal Scent and Knitted Octopus Application on Pain in Infants Diagnosed With Neonatal Asphyxia and Receiving Therapeutic Hypothermia Treatment

Detailed Description

The neonatal period is characterized by increased sensitivity to environmental stimuli, including olfactory inputs. Early exposure to maternal odors may support physiological stability and behavioral regulation in newborns. In neonatal intensive care settings, maternal scent is commonly introduced using odor-bearing materials placed near the infant. In addition, supportive positioning tools such as soft objects may provide comfort and reduce stress-related responses.

This randomized controlled trial is designed to evaluate the effects of maternal scent exposure and the use of a knitted octopus on pain response in newborns undergoing therapeutic hypothermia for perinatal asphyxia. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either maternal scent exposure, a knitted octopus intervention, or standard care.

Maternal scent exposure will be provided using maternal clothing and odor-absorbing materials placed near the infant to allow continuous exposure throughout the treatment period. The knitted octopus intervention involves placing a soft, hypoallergenic object in contact with the infant to provide tactile comfort.

Pain assessments will be performed at predefined intervals during the therapeutic hypothermia period using a validated neonatal pain scale. Data will be collected prospectively and analyzed to compare pain responses between groups.

The study aims to determine whether these non-pharmacological interventions can reduce pain and improve comfort in newborns receiving therapeutic hypothermia.

Inclusion criteria

• Babies with a gestational age of ≥36 and a postpartum age of ≤6 hours.
• Babies diagnosed with asphyxia and receiving TH treatment in the NICU.
• Babies not receiving respiratory support.
• Newborns with family consent.

Exclusion criteria

• Babies with congenital disorders,
• Babies with syndromes/chromosomal disorders,
• Babies who experience seizures while being warmed,
• Babies whose parents wish to withdraw from the study during the study period,
• Babies receiving analgesics