A Study on Neonatal Tactile Stimulation at Birth

Abstract

Background: Stimulation is the most common intervention during neonatal resuscitation at birth, but scarceinformation is available on the actual methods, timing and efficacy of this basic step. To evaluate the occurrence,patterns and response to tactile stimulation at birth in a low-resource setting. Methods: We reviewed 192 video recordings of neonatal resuscitation at GGH, Kadapa, Timing, method, duration and response to tactile stimulation were evaluated. Results: Among 1147 deliveries 192 out of 246 neonates received tactile stimulation while the remaqining 54 received chest compressions directly and some of babies directly got admitted in SNCU 192 received stimulation in the first minute after birth. Multiple techniques were administered in neonates. while recommended techniques like drying was given to 50(20.4%) babies, Back rub was given to 80(41.65%) babies, Chest rub was given to 20(10.4%) babies, foot flickering was given to 42(21.8%) babies. In the present study, Median duration of stimulation is 27 seconds. Conclusions:In a low-resource setting, stimulation of newly born infants at birth is underperformed. Adherence tointernational guidelines is low, resulting in delayed initiation, inadequate technique, prolonged duration and lowresponse to stimulation. Back rubs may provide some benefits, but large prospective studies comparing differentmethods of stimulation are required.