This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effects of skin-to-skin contact and kangaroo care on pain control during and after episiotomy repair following vaginal birth. The study was conducted at Izmir Bakircay University Cigli Regional Training and Research Hospital and included 155 healthy women who had spontaneous vaginal birth and healthy newborns. Participants were randomly assigned to three groups: kangaroo care (n=50), cheek-to-cheek contact (n=50), and standard postpartum care (n=55). Pain levels were assessed after episiotomy repair and at the 6th and 12th hours postpartum using the Verbal Rating Scale. Secondary outcomes included breastfeeding frequency and maternal satisfaction. The results indicate that kangaroo care and cheek-to-cheek contact may reduce postpartum episiotomy pain and improve breastfeeding outcomes, supporting their integration into routine maternity care.
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Episiotomy pain intensity (Numeric Rating Scale)
Timeframe: Immediately after episiotomy repair, at 6 hours postpartum, and at 12 hours postpartum