Aim:The study was planned as a randomised controlled experimental study to determine the effect of bed head height applied during feeding with orogastric catheter on growth parameters and feeding tolerance of preterm newborns.

Method: The study was a randomised controlled experimental study. The sample of the study consisted of 96 newbornMethod: The study was a randomised controlled experimental study. The sample of the study consisted of 96 preterm newborns (control: 32, Group with 30° Bed Head Height: 32, Group with 45° Bed Head Height: 32) ). Data Collection Form was used as a data collection tool. The head of the newborns in the intervention group will be raised before the orogastric catheter is inserted, and the children in the control group will be routinely positioned. In this process, physiological parameters of newborns before and after positioning will be followed.

The population of the study, which is planned as a prospective randomised controlled experimental study, will consist of preterm newborns hospitalised in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Mersin City Hospital. While determining the sample size of the study, the scientific study titled 'Effects of the prone position and kangaroo care on gastric residual volume, vital signs and comfort in preterm infants' by Özdel & Sarı (2020) was taken as a basis as a result of literature reviews in order to determine the effect size sample size. As a result of the Power analysis (G*Power 3.1.9.2) performed according to Özdel & Sarı (2020) study; effect size = 0.967, 95% confidence interval, 95% power, it was calculated that a total of 87 newborns, at least 29 in each group, should be included. Considering the possibility of drop outs and confounding variables in the research process, the number in the groups was increased by 10%. The sample of the study was determined as 96 newborns in total, 32 newborns in each group. Randomisation In the study, 96 children in the sample will be randomly assigned to the control group, the 1st study group (Group with 30° Bed Head Height) and the 2nd study group (Group with 45° Bed Head Height). Random assignment will be made using a computer programme to determine the group of children (https://www.randomlists.com/team-generator).Place and Time of the Study The study will be conducted between July 2024 and March 2025 in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Mersin City Hospital. Mersin City Hospital Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department has 2 Neonatal Intensive Care Units on the 2nd floor and 3rd floor. Research 2nd floor. In the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, 2nd step and 3rd step patients are cared for. There are 30 incubators in the unit. Newborns with prematurity, congenital anomalies, respiratory distress, maternal preeclampsia, maternal diabetes mellitus, hypoglycaemia, and Exchange borderline phototherapy need are admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.Data CollectionIn the study, preterm newborns who are fed with orogastric catheter in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit will first be evaluated in terms of sampling criteria, and newborns who do not meet the criteria will be excluded from the study. The nurse who collects the data and assesses vital signs and nutritional tolerance will be the investigator herself (Nurse Özlem BORAK). Feeding of the newborns in all groups will be done in accordance with the 'Enteral Nutrition Protocol': Before starting the study, nurses working in the clinic will be trained in enteral nutrition in accordance with the 'Enteral Nutrition Protocol'.2: After obtaining written consent from the parent of the preterm baby to be fed with orogastric catheter, the application of feeding with orogastric catheter and what to be done during the procedure will be explained to the parent. Then, the newborn information form will be filled out.Stage 3: After the groups are determined in accordance with the randomisation table, the necessary materials are prepared in accordance with the feeding protocol. Stage 4: 30 minutes before feeding, the bed head height will be adjusted appropriately.5: The vital signs of the newborn (fever, pulse, respiration, oxygen saturation) will be measured 30 minutes before feeding.6: Feeding will be applied at a height of 15-20 cm, without applying pressure, at its own flow rate in 20 minutes. Stage 7: Vital signs (fever, pulse, respiration, oxygen saturation) will be measured during and 30 minutes after feeding. Stage 8: Abdominal distension will be evaluated before and 2 hours after feeding to assess nutritional tolerance. Abdominal circumference will be measured at the same time every day. Vomiting will be monitored after feeding.9: When evaluating growth parameters, weight monitoring, head circumference and height parameters will be evaluated. Weight will be monitored every day. Head circumference and height will be evaluated on the 1st and 7th days.

Inclusion Criteria:

• The newborn should be in the 32-36th postnatal week
• The weight of the newborn should be over 1500 grams
• The newborn should be able to meet at least 75% of the protein and energy amount that he/she should take through the enteral route
• The newborn should be fed with an orogastric catheter
• The newborn should not need a mechanical ventilator
• The newborn should not have a congenital anomaly
• The parents should volunteer to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Neonates with NEC
• Newborns whose bedhead height cannot be provided due to any condition
• Previous findings of feeding intolerance
• Having a chest tube
• Parents not volunteering to participate in the study