Heart Rate Variability and Prematurity

Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback (HRVB) With Mothers Who Delivered a Preterm Infant: A Feasibility Study

Mothers who deliver prematurely (<37 weeks of gestational age) experience intense stress and anxiety given that their child's survival and development might be compromised. From the existing literature, it is known that a heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) program increases heart rate variability (HRV), which in turn, is related to significant reductions in perceived stress and anxiety. This study's aim is to evaluate the feasibility of an HRVB program in a sample of mothers who delivered prematurely.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Delivery between 33 and 37 weeks of gestational age
• Living in Lausanne or surroundings
• Infant is expected to survive
• Singleton birth
• Consent of mother to participate in the study
• Sufficient French-speaking skills to fill out the questionnaires
• Mothers older than 18 years of age

Exclusion Criteria:

• Infant with cranial abnormality/neurological squeal such as cystic periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) and intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH)
• Maternal history of drug or alcohol abuse or severe psychiatric disorders before or during pregnancy
• Infant with congenital anomalies
• Infant with hearing or vision loss
• Mother and infant participating in another clinical trial