The Effect of Touching the Sole of the Infant’s Foot on Starting Times of Sucking and Sucking Efficiency: A Randomized Controlled Study

Background: The early initiation of breastfeeding ensures the attachment between the mother and the infant and regular production of breast milk.

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of touching the infant’s sole on grasping/latching on the breast.

Methods: The study’s type was a randomized controlled experimental design. The sample of this study included 78 infants randomized in a maternity hospital in the Southeastern Anatolia Region of Türkiye. Infants who did not suck and latch on the breast at the end of the first 30 min after birth were included in the study. The study data were collected using the personal information form, Bristol Breastfeeding Assessment Scale, and a stopwatch. Data were analyzed using the Shapiro–Wilk test and the independent t-test.

Results: The mean to the breast of the starting ties of sucking the infant in the experimental group was 104.71 ± 61.90, and the mean to starting times of sucking the infant in the control group was 214.95 ± 106.20. Touching the soles of the infants in the experimental group significantly reduced the starting time of grasping/latching on the breast.

Conclusion: Touching the sole was effective in shortening the time of sucking touching the sole of infants is effective in starting sucking earlier. Touching the soles of the infant’s feet also positively affected the newborn’s sucking ability.