Facilitated Tucking Position's Effect on Comfort and Breastfeeding

The Effect of Facilitated Tucking in the Early Postpartum Period on Preterm Neonatal Comfort and Breastfeeding Performance: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study investigated the effect of facilitated tucking in the early postpartum period on preterm neonate comfort and breastfeeding performance.

Individualized Developmental Care (IDC) offered by NICUs yields positive outcomes in preterm neonates and neonates. Those positions should be comfortable and safe to promote physiological stability and optimal neuromotor development. The facilitated tucking position is the position of the baby in its mother's womb. It calms the neonate and helps it feel safe and maintain body control. It also improves sleep quality, stabilizes physiological parameters, gives a sense of security, supports motor development, and optimizes energy use. The facilitated tucking position makes it easier for preterm neonates to undergo invasive procedures (heel blood collection, aspiration etc.). However, there is no published research examining the effect of the facilitated tucking position in the early postpartum period on physiological parameters, comfort, and breastfeeding performance in preterm neonates.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Born at 35-37 weeks of gestation,
• Appropriate weight for the week of gestation,
• 1-min and 5-min Apgar score of ≥ 8,
• No oxygen therapy,
• No anatomical and physiological problems,
• Showing no signs of illness,
• No congenital disorder,
• No breastfeeding problems

Exclusion Criteria:

• No parental consent
• Medical intervention other than the follow-up