Effects of Breastfeeding in Conjunction with the Skin-to-Skin Contact Method During Calcaneus Puncture

Abstract

Newborns undergo an average of 8 to 17 painful procedures per day. Among these interventions, we can highlight calcaneal puncture, which is normally used to perform the heel prick test. To reduce the sensation of pain, there are several non-pharmacological methods, including skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding. Considering this, this study aims to analyze behavioral and physiological effects and the response to pain among newborns who received maternal breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact during calcaneal puncture with those who were exposed to this procedure without using these measures. pharmacological. This is a descriptive study, with a quantitative approach, of an experimental-interventional nature. Data collection was carried out in an outpatient clinic of medical specialties, in a municipality located in the interior of the state of Minas Gerais, between September and October of the year 2021. A pain assessment scale was used for newborns. who underwent the calcaneal puncture procedure for blood collection to perform the heel prick test. In total, 12 newborns participated in this study. By analyzing the data obtained, we can conclude that skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding during painful procedures proved to be efficient in some cases. Although the sample was small, this study had positive implications for those involved, such as understanding by the mother and health professionals regarding the benefits offered by breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact during the Guthrie test.