Effect of White Noise on Anxiety Levels and Breastfeeding Success of Primiparous Mothers Having Vaginal Delivery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: In this study, it was aimed to determine the effect of white noise on anxiety levels and breastfeeding success of primipara mothers having vaginal delivery. Design: The research was conducted using a randomized controlled experimental design. Setting: The research was conducted at a public hospital located in western Turkey. Participants: Sixty primipara mothers, who were between 37 and 42 weeks of gestation, who had a vaginal delivery, and who gave birth to a healthy newborn weighing 2,500-4,000 g, were included in the study as participants. Interventions: · The mothers and their babies in the study group (30) were made to listen to white noise with a CD player during breastfeeding in the first hour after delivery and 24 hours after delivery. Measurements: Measurements were performed before, during, and after breastfeeding. A descriptive information form, the State Anxiety Inventory (STAI) Scale, and the "LATCH Breastfeeding Diagnostic and Evaluation Scale" were applied to the mothers by the researcher and the observer. In this way, breastfeeding success and anxiety levels were measured. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the study group listening to white noise and the control group in terms of the mean STAI-I, observation 2, and observation 4 scores (p < 0.001). Also, it was found that the mean LATCH, observation 1, and observation 2 scores in the control group were significantly lower than the mean LATCH, observation 1, and observation 2 scores in the study group (p < 0.001). Conclusions: As a result of the research, it was determined that white noise was an effective method in increasing breastfeeding success and reducing anxiety levels. In this direction, white noise can be used by health care professionals as a supportive method for breastfeeding.