Evaluating Nesting Positioning to Reduce Pain, Stress, and Support Breastfeeding in Cesarean-Delivered Term Newborns

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effect of nesting during the first intramuscular injection on pain, stress, physiological responses, settling time, and breastfeeding success in healthy term newborns delivered by cesarean section. This randomized controlled trial will include 112 newborns allocated equally to either a nesting intervention group or a routine care control group. The study aims to provide evidence on whether nesting can serve as a simple, safe, and non-drug method to reduce procedural pain and stress while supporting breastfeeding. Newborns in the intervention group will be placed in a sterile cotton nesting position until they receive their first intramuscular injection of vitamin K and hepatitis B vaccine, administered according to standard care. The control group will receive routine neonatal care without nesting. No extra invasive procedures will be done for research purposes. The study is conducted as a prospective, single-center, parallel-group trial with random assignment to groups. Participants will be assessed for pain, stress level, heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and settling time immediately before, during, and one minute after the injection. Breastfeeding success will be evaluated at the first breastfeeding after mother-newborn reunion, one hour later, and before hospital discharge. A blinded independent assessor will perform all outcome measurements. This trial will contribute to evidence-based neonatal care by assessing developmental, non-pharmacological interventions during newborn procedures.

Effect of Nesting During Intramuscular Injection on Pain, Stress, and Breastfeeding Success in Cesarean-Born Term Newborns