The effect of tasting and smelling breastmilk stimulation before first breastfeeding on sucking success and early feeding skills of neonates: a randomized open label study

Olfactory and taste receptors that begin to develop in fetal life have an important role in the transition to feeding. This study investigated the effect of tasting and smelling & tasting breastmilk before first breastfeeding on sucking success and early feeding skills in term neonates. A randomized open label study was conducted with two parallel groups. The study population consisted of mother and newborn couples who were taken to the patient room after birth and gave birth to a healthy term newborn. Total of 72 mother and newborn couples were randomly assigned to three groups as Breastmilk Smelling Group (BSG) (n = 24), Breastmilk Smelling and Tasting Group (BSTG) (n = 24), and Control Group (n = 24). The BSG underwent only olfactory stimulation and the BSTG underwent gustatory and olfactory stimulation by the breastmilk method before the first three breastfeeding sessions. The control group participants were breastfed as a routine practice. Data were collected using a personal information form, the Early Feeding Skills Assessment Tool (EFSAT), and LATCH (Latch, Audible swallowing, Type of nipple, Comfort, and Hold) scoring system. LATCH and EFSAT scores in the first and second breastfeeding sessions did not differ significantly between the groups (p > 0.05). However, the control group had significantly lower mean LATCH and EFSAT scores than the intervention groups at the third breastfeeding session. (p < 0.05). The BSG and BSTG had similar mean LATCH and EFSAT scores (p > 0.05). Term neonates who smell and taste breastmilk before breastfeeding are more likely to build early feeding skills and succeed in breastfeeding. Healthcare professionals can be adapted to clinical practice using both techniques to facilitate the initiation of breastfeeding in full-term neonates.