Effect of tactile-kinesthetic stimulation on breastfeeding performance among preterm neonates in a neonatal intensive care unit.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Preterm birth, which means the baby is born before the 37th week of pregnancy, is very often linked to a later start in breastfeeding and to feeding problems because the baby’s neuromotor system is not yet fully coordinated. Early sensory interventions like tactile-kinesthetic stimulation (TKS) can potentially improve the feeding skills and physiological stability of preterm babies. METHODS: This research, a quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test control group design, was carried out in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of a tertiary care hospital. Forty eligible neonates were recruited using purposive sampling and allocated alternately to the experimental group (n = 20) and control group (n = 20). Neonates who met the inclusion criteria, such as gestational age 28–37 weeks, postnatal age 11–28 days at the time of data collection, birth weight 800 g to 1500 g, and delivery through either normal vaginal delivery or lower segment caesarean section (LSCS), were included in the study. The intervention was carried out by the researcher, who was a proficient neonatal stimulator. The study group underwent 30 min of tactile, kinesthetic stimulation, which included gentle stroking and passive leg movements, thrice a day for seven successive days before each breastfeed. On the other hand, the control group was given standard NICU care without any additional stimulation. Breastfeeding performance was assessed using the Preterm Infant Breastfeeding Behavior Scale (PIBBS). Data were analysed using paired t-tests and independent t-tests with SPSS software. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Before the intervention, the mean breastfeeding performance score was 4.80 ± 1.64 in the experimental group and 5.10 ± 1.50 in the control group, indicating that there was no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). Following the intervention, the mean breastfeeding performance score in the experimental group substantially rose to 14.60 ± 1.57, while the control group experienced only a minor rise to 6.20 ± 1.45. The enhancement in breastfeeding performance in the experimental group was statistically significant when compared to the control group (t = 32.19, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Initially, breastfeeding scores between the two groups were equivalent. Nevertheless, after tactile, kinesthetic stimulation, the experimental group showed a substantial enhancement in breastfeeding ability compared to the control group. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.