Impact of human milk odor on respiratory distress and oxygen saturation in preterm neonates

Abstract

Backgroundand purpose: Human milk is the most typical and accessible way of improving a neonate's respiratory status. The present study was conducted to examine the impact of human milk odor on respiratory distress and oxygen saturation in preterm neonates in the intensive care unit. MethodsThis clinical trial included 96 premature neonates divided into three groups, including human milk odor, formula odor, and a control group. The human milk group received 3 ml of human milk at 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. on a daily basis for four days. The human milk and formula were prepared and used under the same conditions. The control group did not receive any interventions. The research instruments were a demographic questionnaire and the Downes score that was completed daily by the researcher. ResultsThe results indicated no significant differences in the blood oxygen saturation and respiratory distress between the human milk odor, formula odor, and the control group (P > 0.05). It was also found that preterm neonates in the human milk group show less respiratory distress compared to the control group on the third day. In addition, the heart and respiratory rates did not show any significant difference between the study groups. However, the heart rate decreased more in the human milk group compared to the other two groups. Implication for practice and researchIt seems that oxygen saturation increased from the third day in the human milk group. It is suggested that the duration of aromatherapy increase in future studies to evaluate its possible effects more accurately.