Effects of Kangaroo Care on Circadian Rhythm, Growth and Physiological Effects

Effects of Kangaroo Care on Circadian Rhythm, Growth and Physiological Effects of Newborns Effect of Parameters on Breast Milk Cortisol Levels: Randomized Controlled Study

This study was planned to investigate the effect of premature babies receiving regular kangaroo care in the NICU on circadian rhythm, growth and physiological parameters, and breast milk cortisol levels

Kangaroo Care (KC) may have positive effects on biological phase markers of immature circadian rhythms in newborns. KC provides circadian rhythm development by reducing the stress of newborns. Skin-to- skin contact intervention, which is similar to kangaroo care, affects the ẞ-endorphin concentration, which reduces pain in premature babies, and is known to reduce cortisol levels. KC, which supports exclusive breastfeeding and breastfeeding, can affect the circadian rhythm in newborns by providing information about the time of day to newborns through the increase in breastfeeding rates and the hormones and immune elements contained in breast milk. Although there are a limited number of studies in the literature examining the circadian rhythm or sleep-wake cycle of babies in the neonatal intensive care unit, no study has been found examining the circadian rhythm of babies receiving regular kangaroo care using brain imaging methods. In this respect, the study has unique value. In addition, within the scope of the study, regular kangaroo care for three days had a positive effect on the growth and physiological parameters of babies any studies examining the effect of breast milk on cortisol levels No study was found.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being between 28+0-37 weeks of pregnancy,
• Birth weight >1000 g,
• APGAR score >7 at the 5th minute after birth,
• Ability to feed every 2-3 hours

Exclusion Criteria:

• Getting mechanical ventilation support
• Undergoing surgery
• Having diseases and disorders such as congenital brain malformations, meningitis, seizures, encephalopathy, congenital abnormalities, history of intraventricular bleeding, herpes, sepsis and heart or metabolic diseases.
• Taking medication that affects sleep patterns, such as theophylline, phenobarbital, midazolam, caffeine, fentalnil
• Having developed intraventricular hemorrhage