Document Type : Original articles
Authors
1
B.S.C in Nursing – Faculty of Nursing – Minia University, Minia , Egypt
2
Professor of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing – Minia University, Minia , Egypt
3
Lecturer of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine – Minia University, Minia , Egypt
4
Lecturer of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing – Minia University, Minia , Egypt
Abstract
Background: Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce pain perception in infants during medical procedures like blood sampling. It combines the comforting effects of maternal closeness, oral sucking, and the release of calming hormones. This natural method is a simple, effective, and non-invasive way to manage pain in infants. Aim: To evaluate the effect of breast-feeding on pain intensity among infants during blood sampling. Design: A Quasi-experimental research design was used to achieve the aim of the current study. Setting: The current study was conducted in the paediatric department on the third and fourth floors at Minia University Hospital for Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Paediatrics. Subjects: A purposive sample included all infants less than one year undergoing a blood sampling procedure who follow inclusion criteria over period of six months divided into two equal groups (control & study). Tools of data collection: Two tools were designed and used for collecting data for this study, Tool (I): structured interview questionnaire sheet, Second Tool (II): FLACC (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability) scale. Results: the total pain scores after blood sampling procedures were significantly decreased in the study group compared to the control group (2.6 ± 1.5 vs 6.7 ± 1.5, respectively), with statistically significant differences (P value < 0.0001). Conclusion: Results showed that breastfeeding significantly reduced pain intensity in infants during blood sampling. Infants in the breastfeeding group exhibited lower pain scores, more stable vital signs, and were more relaxed compared to the control group. These findings highlight the effectiveness of breastfeeding as a simple and natural pain management method for infants during medical procedures. Recommendations: Healthcare providers should promote breastfeeding as a non-pharmacological pain management method during minor procedures such as blood sampling.
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