The Effect of Aromatherapy Application on Pain, Stress and Behaviors of the Newborn

This study was planned as a randomized controlled double-blind experimental study to examine the effect of aromatherapy on newborn pain, stress and behaviors. The main questions it aims to answer are:

* Lavender oil massage applied to newborns has an effect on pain, stress and behavior of newborns.
* Lavender oil bath applied to newborns has an effect on pain, stress and behavior of newborns.
* There is a difference between lavender oil massage and lavender oil bath applications applied to newborns in reducing the pain and stress level of the newborn and regulating their behavior.

Randomization method will be used in the determination of the study groups (Lavender massage, lavender bath and control group), and the study group to which the newborns will be included will be determined in the computer environment. Gender, gestational age, postnatal age and body weight will be considered as matching criteria for newborns included in lavender massage, lavender bath and control groups. For ALPS-Neo and ABSS evaluations, 10 minutes (20 minutes in total) of newborns will be recorded with a video camera before and after the study.

Newborns have to receive treatment and care for a long time in the neonatal unit. Newborns admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) have to cope with stressors such as numerous environmental stimuli (bright light, loud noise, frequent touch, etc.) and repetitive painful interventions when they are not developmentally ready. A care environment devoid of parental contact and stimuli, disturbing the newborn, and encountering stress and excessive stimuli negatively affects the delicate physical condition and immature organ systems of the newborn, and physiological and behavioral stress symptoms can be observed. However, in neonatal units; It is known that there may be many undesirable stimuli such as excessive noise, light, and intense activity in the unit, as well as situations where sensory stimuli such as monotonous sounds, inactivity, and silence from some medical equipment are rare. In these cases, sensory deprivation or sensory overload problems may develop as a result of the decrease or increase in the quality and quantity of sensory stimuli . Precautions should be taken to prevent these problems from occurring. Complementary care practices such as aromatherapy can be used to reduce sensory stimulus problems and stress.

Aromatherapy, which is the most widely used in complementary care applications; It is defined as the use of essential oils obtained from flowers, plants and trees to increase health and well-being. Essential oils can be administered orally, by touch, and by inhalation. The aim of aromatherapy by touch (massage, bath, compress) is to benefit from the anti-inflammatory, antispasmadic, antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial effects of essential oils and to allow the muscles to return to a resting tone. Since the sense of touch is developed in newborn babies at birth, the application of aromatic oils with the sense of touch is important in reducing the stress of the baby in the first days of his life.

Among the essential oils used in aromatherapy, the most studied fragrance is lavender. Lavender generally has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, relaxing and sleep-inhibiting effects. In line with this information, it is aimed to examine the effect of aromatherapy on the pain, stress and behavior of newborns.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Postnatal age of 1-5 days,
* Gestational age is 38-42 weeks,
* Tolerant of enterally given food (without NEC, digestive system and chromosomal abnormalities),
* Not connected to respiratory support device,
* No skin disease,
* No surgical intervention,
* Newborns with written consent from at least one of the parents will be included in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Findings such as tachypnea, fever
* Newborns with Rh and AB0 incompatibility
* Newborns undergoing surgical intervention