EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF KANGAROO MOTHER CARE (KMC) POSITION IN PRETERM INFANTS AND SWADDLING IN TERM NEONATES AS NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL ANALGESIC METHODS COMPARED TO CONVENTIONAL POSITIONING A STUDY IN A TERTIARY CENTRE

Abstract

Background: Procedural pain is common in neonatal care and can lead to short- and long-term adverse consequences if not adequately managed. Non-pharmacological interventions such as Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) for preterm infants and swaddling for term neonates have emerged as promising strategies to mitigate pain, yet comparative data against conventional positioning are limited.

Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at the neonatal unit of Saveetha Hospital, Kancheepuram, from November 2024 to April 2025. Preterm infants (<37 weeks gestation) received KMC, and term neonates (≥37 weeks gestation) were swaddled prior to minor procedures. Control groups received standard conventional positioning. Pain was assessed using the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS) before, during, and after procedures. Statistical analysis included ANOVA and chi-square tests.

Results: Among 180 neonates (90 preterm and 90 term), those receiving KMC and swaddling exhibited significantly lower pain scores compared to controls (mean difference for KMC: 2.5, p<0.001; swaddling: 2.1, p<0.001). Preterm infants in the KMC group also demonstrated lower pain scores than swaddled term infants (mean difference 1.2, p=0.02). No adverse effects were recorded.

Conclusion: KMC and swaddling are safe, effective non-pharmacological interventions for neonatal procedural pain. Their integration into routine neonatal care practices should be strongly considered.