To Assess the Effectiveness of Nesting on Posture and Movements among Newborns in Selected Hospitals of Wardha District

Abstract

BACKGROUND Healthy posture can enhance sleep breathing and digestion, and protects internal organs from cramping. Strong posture may enhance quality of life. The fetus inutero has consistent, dynamic uterine boundaries that continually promote return to a flexed midline position following periods of activity. Conversely, infants in the neonatal intensive care unit are subjected to the effect of gravity and have a tendency to assume flattened postures especially when they are either preterm or sick. This places the infant at increased risk of developing a typical posture and movement patterns both in the short and long term. The study aims to determine the effectiveness of nesting on posture and movements among the new-borns in selected hospitals of Wardha. METHODS A quasi-experimental design was used to conduct this study. Purposive sampling technique was used for the new-borns in selected hospital of Wardha, among 60 new-borns (trial and control groups will include 30 new-borns each). A questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic data of children and mothers, and a revised standardised checklist on the Infant Posture and Motor Appraisal scale was employed to compare the pose and movement of new-born babies. Following the pre-test, in the experimental population, care was provided to the new-born children, i.e., the baby may be placed in a prone position or on the side with flexed extremities by supplying a "nest" with a rolling blanket. The upper part of the child's body is slightly elevated, which represents a spot as it's "cradled in the arm." Intervening nesting was given in 2 periods for 3 days for 15 minutes. The post test was carried out on the 4th day of the modified observational checklist of the Infant Posture and Motor Assessment scale 'for the assessment of the posture and motor performance of new-born babies. RESULTS In control group 13.33 % of new-borns had poor level of nesting on posture and movements, 66.67 % had average, 13.33 % had good and 6.67 % of the new-borns had excellent level of nesting on posture and movements. Mean nesting on posture and movements score was 5.36 ± 2.02 and mean percentage score was 44.72 ± 16.87. And in experimental group 13.33 % of new-borns had poor level of nesting on posture and movements, 23.33 % had average, 6.67 % had good and 56.67 % of the new-borns had excellent level of nesting on posture and movements. Mean nesting on posture and movements score was 8.13 ± 4.02 and mean percentage score was 67.77 ± 33.52. CONCLUSIONS Nesting is an indicator of relaxation that simulates a sense of lack of room in utero and making the infant less jittery. Nesting encourages the transition of the sleep cycle from intermittent disrupted periods into deep relaxed nights and happier days, thereby saving energy (may be wasted in crying) and reducing weight loss. KEY WORDS Roosting or Birdhouse, Position, Neonates.