This randomized controlled trial evaluates the effect of reciprocal maternal-infant voice exposure on maternal attachment and breastfeeding outcomes in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Infants in the intervention group are exposed to recordings of their mothers' voices, while mothers simultaneously listen to recordings of their infants' sounds between the 6th and 12th postpartum hours. The intervention is administered every 2 hours for 30 minutes. Outcomes include maternal attachment, breastfeeding effectiveness, breastfeeding self-efficacy, infant feeding intention, perceived insufficient milk, and expressed breast milk volume. Neonatal physiological parameters and blood gas values are also assessed. The findings aim to support family-centered NICU care through non-invasive auditory interventions.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
60
Reciprocal auditory stimulation consisting of maternal voice recordings played to infants and infant sound recordings played to mothers every 2 hours for 30 minutes between the 6th and 12th postpartum hours.
Nilgün Avcı
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
Maternal Attachment
Measured using the Maternal Attachment Inventory (26 items; scores range from 26 to 104; higher scores indicate stronger attachment).
Time frame: 12th postpartum hour
Breastfeeding Effectiveness
Measured using the Bristol Breastfeeding Assessment Tool (scores range from 0 to 8; higher scores indicate more effective breastfeeding).
Time frame: 12th postpartum hour
Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy
Measured using the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (14 items; scores range from 14 to 70; higher scores indicate greater self-efficacy).
Time frame: 12th postpartum hour
Infant Feeding Intention
Measured using the Infant Feeding Intention Scale. Scores range from 0 to 16; higher scores indicate stronger intention to breastfeed.
Time frame: 12th postpartum hour
Perceived Insufficient Milk
Measured using the Perceived Insufficient Milk Scale. Higher scores indicate greater perceived milk insufficiency.
Time frame: 12th postpartum hour
Expressed Breast Milk Volume
Volume of breast milk expressed using an electric pump, measured in milliliters (mL).
Time frame: Between 6th and 12th postpartum hours
Neonatal Physiological Parameters
Respiratory Rate: Measured in breaths per minute.
Time frame: 6th, 8th, 10th, and 12th postpartum hours
Oxygen Saturation
Peripheral oxygen saturation measured as percentage (%).
Time frame: 6th, 8th, 10th, and 12th postpartum hours.
Heart Rate
Heart rate measured in beats per minute (bpm).
Time frame: 6th, 8th, 10th, and 12th postpartum hours.
Partial Pressure of Oxygen (pO₂)
Partial pressure of oxygen measured in mmHg.
Time frame: Between 6th and 12th postpartum hours.
Partial Pressure of Carbon Dioxide (pCO₂)
Partial pressure of carbon dioxide measured in mmHg.
Time frame: Between 6th and 12th postpartum hours.
Blood pH
Blood pH measured as a unitless value.
Time frame: Between 6th and 12th postpartum hours.
Blood Lactate Level
Blood lactate level measured in mmol/L.
Time frame: Between 6th and 12th postpartum hours.
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