Clinical Research Directory

Pacifier Use During Phototherapy in Newborns With Hyperbilirubinemia

Hyperbilirubinemia; It is a common condition that usually occurs physiologically in newborns. Phototherapy is used in the treatment of hyperbilirubinemia. Babies cry while receiving phototherapy, the mother's inability to hold her baby in her arms, her inability to breastfeed, and the invasive procedures (bloodletting) stress the baby. Pacifiers are used among individualized developmental care practices to calm the baby and reduce stress. Another benefit of pacifiers for the baby is on the gastrointestinal system. Non-nutritive sucking stimulates oro-motor development, facilitates the development of sucking behavior and facilitates digestion in enteral feeding. Considering all these benefits, this study aimed to determine the effect of pacifier use during phototherapy on stress and bilirubin levels in newborns with hyperbilirubinemia.