Neonatal jaundice is a common condition among newborns and may require phototherapy during the early postnatal period. Although phototherapy is an effective treatment for hyperbilirubinemia, it may be associated with maternal stress, anxiety, concern and disruption of closeness between the mother and newborn. This mixed methods feasibility study evaluates a mothers' heartbeat intervention designed to support maternal well-being and newborn comfort during phototherapy in a maternity ward setting.
The intervention uses a multisensory sleep pad placed under the newborn's mattress during phototherapy. At the beginning of the intervention, each mother's heartbeat, breathing sounds and chest vibrations are recorded and transferred to the pad. During phototherapy, the newborn can hear and feel these individually recorded maternal sounds and vibrations while lying on the mattress. The intervention is intended to provide womb-like auditory and tactile stimulation and to promote calmness, comfort and a sense of closeness during treatment.
The study includes mothers whose term newborns require phototherapy for jaundice at a maternity ward in Finland. A total of 40 mothers and newborns are included: 20 in the intervention group and 20 in the control group. Data are collected before and after phototherapy. Maternal outcomes include anxiety, stress and experience of phototherapy. The feasibility, usability and acceptability of the intervention are assessed among mothers in the intervention group. In addition, semi-structured interviews are conducted to explore mothers' experiences of successful factors related to the intervention.
The primary purpose of this feasibility study is to evaluate whether the mothers' heartbeat intervention is acceptable, usable and feasible in a maternity ward during newborn phototherapy. The study also examines preliminary effects on maternal anxiety, maternal stress and mothers' experiences of phototherapy. The findings will be used to inform the planning of a future larger randomized controlled trial.
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria:
Mothers are excluded if any of the following criteria apply:
Newborns are excluded if any of the following criteria apply:
Arm 1: Mothers' Heartbeat Intervention Participants in this arm receive the mothers' heartbeat intervention in addition to usual phototherapy care.
Arm 2: Usual Care Participants in this arm receive usual phototherapy care only.
No masking was used. Participants, care providers and investigators were aware of group assignment because the mothers' heartbeat intervention involved recording the mother's heartbeat and using the Nucu Pad during newborn phototherapy.
Participants in this arm receive the mothers' heartbeat intervention in addition to usual phototherapy care. The intervention uses a multisensory Nucu Pad placed under the newborn's mattress. Each mother's heartbeat, breathing sounds and chest vibrations are recorded and transferred to the pad. During phototherapy, the newborn can hear and feel the mother's recorded heartbeat, breathing sounds and vibrations while lying on the mattress.
Participants in this arm receive usual phototherapy care only according to standard maternity ward practice. Phototherapy may be provided using a Bilisoft Blanket, overhead phototherapy lights or both, according to clinical need.
Oulu, 90220, Finland
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