Effects of the prone position and kangaroo care on gastric residual volume, vital signs and comfort in preterm infants.

Abstract

Prone and kangaroo care positioning of preterm infants during intragastric tube feeding were compared with regard to post prandial gastric residual volume, vital signs and infant comfort. The study sample included 30 28-36-birth-week old preterm infants who were hospitalized at the neonatal intensive care unit. Infants were fed in two positions: prone and kangaroo care. All the infants were placed in the prone position after feeding. Vital signs and comfort scores were recorded 30 min after feeding, and the gastric residual volume was measured 3 h after feeding. After 3 h of feeding, the heart rate was lower in the kangaroo care position than in the prone position. After 30 min and 3 h of feeding, the mean comfort scores and the mean distress scores were lower in the kangaroo care position than in the prone position. It was also determined that there was no significant difference between the kangaroo care position and prone position regarding their effects on the residual volume measured 3 h after feeding. The infants fed in the kangaroo care position have a lower heart rate, better comfort levels and less distress after feeding. These positive effects ensure that preterm infants experience less stress and consume less energy. What is currently known? It has been determined that kangaroo care reduces the pain response and heart rate of the newborn, increases the duration of sleep, reduces the length of stay in the hospital, facilitates breastfeeding, reduces the risk of hypothermia, decreases the mother's anxiety level by initiating the relationship between the mother and infant, and improves the infant's growth and development. What does this article add? While there were no differences between prone and kangaroo positions during feeding with regard to gastric residual volumes, we found that the heart rate, comfort scores and distress scores were lower in the kangaroo care position than in the prone position.