The effect of breast milk odor on concentration percentage of oxygen saturation and respiratory rate in premature infants

Abstract

Background: establishing a regular respiratory condition in the infants is one of the basic considerations in NICU. Newborns show noticeable breath alterations in response to even low concentrations of some fragrance. <br/>Aim: determining the effect of breast milk odor on oxygen saturation and respiratory rate in premature infants. <br/>Methods: In this four-group randomized clinical trial, 180 premature infants were divided into three control groups and one experimental group of 45 neonates in each. <br/>Three groups received odors (breast milk, formula, distilled water odor) for 120 seconds twice daily for 7 days. Oxygensaturation was recorded before and after the exposure and respiratory rate was documented of 120 seconds stimulation, in the second 60-second of the stimulation. The research instrument was a questionnaire designed by the researcher and completed daily. Data were analyzed by repeated measure and Kruscul Wallis tests using SPSS software version 11.5. <br/>Results: The infants were85 (47%) boys and 95 (53%) girsl with mean gestational age of 32.1± 3.1 weeks. Repeated measures analysis demonstrated that aromatherapy with breast milk odor alters SpO₂ (p< 0.04) and decreases the time needed for O₂therapy (p< 0.04). Comparing the mean respiratory rate of the understudied infants, there was a difference between the control groups with three others (p< 0.005). <br/>Conclusion: exposure with the breast milk odor is a proper and simple nursing care which can reduce the need for O₂therapy trough its effect on O₂ saturation and respiration in premature infants.