Abstract:
This quasi-experimental research aimed to examine effects of planned breastfeeding on pain in neonates receiving venipuncture. Sample included 40 neonates at 48-72 hours after birth waiting for blood
drawing for thyroid hormone deficiency and Phenylketonuria (PKU) screening. Purposive sampling was used to recruit the sample, who were normally born in Prachuabkirikhan hospital, Prachuabkirikhan
province. The sample was divided into experimental group receiving planned breastfeeding and control group receiving routine nursing care. Each group contained 20 neonates. Research instruments consisted of
the demographic questionnaire, the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS) and the recording form of heart rate, oxygen saturation and duration of crying. Cronbachs alpha coefficient (α) of NIPS was .95. Data were
analyzed by using frequency, percent, mean, standard deviation, range, and Independent t-test. Results revealed as follows:
1. Neonates in the experimental group, after venipuncture, had significantly lower pain score than those in the control group of every point of the assessment time (p < .05).
2. Neonates in the experimental group had mean of heart rate significantly lower than those in the control group at 5 seconds after venipuncture (t = 2.059, p < .05). However, at 30 seconds, 1, 2, 3, 4 and
5 minutes after venipuncture, the samples means of heart rate of both groups were not significantly different.
3. Neonates in the experimental group had means of oxygen saturation significantly higher than those in the control group at 30 seconds, 1 and 4 minutes after venipuncture (t = -2.757, p < .01, t = -3.106,
p < .01 and t = -2.101, p < .05, respectively). However, at 5 seconds, 2, 3 and 5 minutes after venipuncture, the samples means of oxygen saturation of both groups were not significantly different.
4. Neonates in the experimental group had significantly shorter duration of crying after venipuncture than those in the control group (t = 5.901, p < .001).
These findings suggest that not only the planned breastfeeding could reduce pain in neonates receiving venipuncture and be applied for reducing pain in neonates receiving other invasive procedures, but also nurses, especially pediatric advance practice nurses, should enhance and strengthen the planned breastfeeding to increase mother-neonate attachment. In addition, the neonates should receive optimal benefit from breast milk that can lead to appropriately physical, emotional and psychosocial growth and development.