NCT07580677

Brief 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.

Trial Health

87
On Track

Trial Health Score

Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach

Enrollment
120

participants targeted

Target at P50-P75 for not_applicable

Timeline
Completed

Started Feb 2025

Geographic Reach
1 country

1 active site

Status
completed

Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.

Trial Relationships

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Study Timeline

Key milestones and dates

Study Start

First participant enrolled

February 20, 2025

Completed
11 months until next milestone

Primary Completion

Last participant's last visit for primary outcome

January 1, 2026

Completed
Same day until next milestone

Study Completion

Last participant's last visit for all outcomes

January 1, 2026

Completed
3 months until next milestone

First Submitted

Initial submission to the registry

April 1, 2026

Completed
1 month until next milestone

First Posted

Study publicly available on registry

May 12, 2026

Completed
Last Updated

May 12, 2026

Status Verified

February 1, 2025

Enrollment Period

11 months

First QC Date

April 1, 2026

Last Update Submit

May 5, 2026

Conditions

Keywords

Kangaroo CareBreastfeedingComfort of The NewbornPain of The Newborn

Outcome Measures

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.

    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

    about a year

Study Arms (3)

This is the group where the baby is breastfed before the heel prick blood test. In this group, the e

EXPERIMENTAL

Breastfeeding Group (Group 1) 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 before, 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.

Other: breastfeeding

This group receives skin-to-skin contact (kangaroo care) before the heel prick blood test on the bab

EXPERIMENTAL

Kangaroo Care Group (Group 2) Each baby in the group will be given 30 minutes of kangaroo care before heel prick blood is taken. Physiological parameters, NIPS (Neural Network Imaging System) scores, and comfort behavior will be evaluated before, during, and after the procedure.

Other: Kangaroo Care

This is the group that receives standard care.

EXPERIMENTAL

Control Group (Group 3) Physiological parameters, NIPS (Neuroprocedure Testing System), and comfort behavior will be evaluated before, during, and after the procedure.

Other: Standard Care (in control arm)

Interventions

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.

This is the group where the baby is breastfed before the heel prick blood test. In this group, the e

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.

This group receives skin-to-skin contact (kangaroo care) before the heel prick blood test on the bab

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.

This is the group that receives standard care.

Eligibility Criteria

Age24 Hours - 1 Day
Sexall(Gender-based eligibility)
Healthy VolunteersYes
Age GroupsChild (0-17)

You may qualify if:

  • 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

You may not qualify if:

  • 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

Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.

Sponsors & Collaborators

Study Sites (1)

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

Sivas, Merkez, 58030, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Breast Feeding

Interventions

LactationKangaroo-Mother Care MethodStandard of Care

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Feeding BehaviorBehavior

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Reproductive Physiological PhenomenaReproductive and Urinary Physiological PhenomenaPostpartum PeriodPatient PositioningPatient CareTherapeuticsInfant CareChild CareHealth ServicesHealth Care Facilities Workforce and ServicesQuality Indicators, Health CareQuality of Health CareHealth Services AdministrationHealth Care Quality, Access, and Evaluation

Study Officials

  • FERDAĞ YILDIRIM

    SİVAS CUMHURİYET ÜNİVERSİTESİ SAĞLIK HİZMETLERİ MESLEK YÜKSEKOKULU

    STUDY DIRECTOR
  • EMİNE ALTUN YILMAZ

    SİVAS CUMHURİYET ÜNİVERSİTESİ SAĞLIK BİLİMLERİ FAKÜLTESİ HEMŞİRELİK BÖLÜMÜ

    STUDY DIRECTOR

Study Design

Study Type
interventional
Phase
not applicable
Allocation
NON RANDOMIZED
Masking
DOUBLE
Who Masked
PARTICIPANT, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
Masking Details
The study group consisted of newborn babies, one of the observers who scored the pain and comfort was an independent person from the research, and the observer made the evaluation without knowing which group the babies belonged to.
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE CARE
Intervention Model
FACTORIAL
Sponsor Type
OTHER
Responsible Party
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
PI Title
student

Study Record Dates

First Submitted

April 1, 2026

First Posted

May 12, 2026

Study Start

February 20, 2025

Primary Completion

January 1, 2026

Study Completion

January 1, 2026

Last Updated

May 12, 2026

Record last verified: 2025-02

Data Sharing

IPD Sharing
Will not share

Locations