Midline swaddling and traditional swaddling position and their influence on physical and autonomic sign on newborn babies

Abstract

The traditional method of swaddling is done with the arms and legs straightened and wrapped tightly with the hips in an addiction position. When swaddling is properly done, infants show less awakening and longer sleep, better neuromuscular development, less physiological stress, better motor organization, and better self-regulation abilities. Improper swaddling can result in conditions that are detrimental for newborns, like SIDS, DDH, which cause stress. The early exposure of the neonates to stress results to residual symptoms in behavior and neurobiological disorders. This study aims to determine the effect of midline position compared to the traditional swaddling regarding physical and autonomics stress sign. The study population consisted of 194 newborns. The midline and traditionally swaddled were observed and recorded, physical and autonomic signs at birth, 10 minutes and 2 hours were documented. This study found that there is statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of cries at 10 minute and 2 hours and so with the heart rate and respiration rate at birth (p<0,05), and a significant difference in oxygen saturation at 10 minutes and 2 hours (p<0,05). Additionally, midline swaddling had a larger average decrease in heart rate and respiration rate, and increase in the oxygen saturation. Therefore, this study can deduce that, midline position swaddling has less stressful effect than the traditional position. The same research elsewhere in Indonesia will be costly. Future research would suggest for larger sample that may suggest a more accurate outcome.