The Effect of Auditory Stimulation on the Success of IMD
Keywords:
Auditory Stimulation, EBI, Early Breastfeeding Initiation, Midwifery, NewbornsAbstract
Early Breastfeeding Initiation (EBI) within the first hour after birth is crucial for breastfeeding success and newborn health. However, challenges remain in its implementation across healthcare facilities. Auditory stimulation has been suggested as a potential aid in enhancing EBI success by calming babies and encouraging them to suckle. This study aimed to assess the effect of auditory stimulation on EBI success at Sentra Medika Minahasa Utara Hospital. A quantitative, quasi-experimental design with a posttest control group approach was used, involving 20 mothers with full-term newborns. The sample was divided into an intervention group receiving auditory stimulation during Immediate Breastfeeding Initiation (IMD) and a control group undergoing standard IMD without stimulation. IMD success was measured by assessing the infant’s ability to latch and breastfeed effectively within the first hour. Data were analyzed using Fisher’s Exact test. Results indicated that the proportion of successful IMD was higher in the auditory stimulation group, though the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.070). This study concludes that while auditory stimulation has the potential to support IMD implementation, it cannot be recommended as a standalone intervention. Further research with a larger sample size and stronger study design is necessary to confirm these findings.
References
Aközlü, Z., & Şahin, Ö. Ö. (2022). The effects of mother's voice and white noise on APGAR scores of newborns and attachment processes: A randomized controlled trial. European Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 20(2), 176-184. https://doi.org/10.15584/ejcem.2022.2.6
Asadi, R., et al. (2025). Clinical audit of skin-to-skin contact and initiation… Scientific Reports. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-23854-7
Filippa, M., et al. (2017). Live maternal speech and singing have beneficial effects on hospitalized preterm infants. Acta Paediatrica, 106(5), 830-837.
Giang, H. T. N., et al. (2024). The effect of skin-to-skin contact on early initiation of breastfeeding (dose-response). ScienceDirect article. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedneo.2023.07.007
Gualdrón, L. M. V., et al. (2022). Infant stimulation (auditory, tactile, visual, vestibular) and sucking effectiveness. PMC article.
Harding, C., et al. (2019). Sensory stimulation and feeding outcomes in newborns: A review. Early Human Development, 132, 1-7.
Hirschel, J., et al. (2023). Maternal voice and tactile stimulation modulate oxytocin in mothers of preterm infants. Children, 10(9), 1469. https://doi.org/10.3390/children10091469
Ilkeskh. (2025). Factors associated with the implementation of IMD (citing Riskesdas 2018: 58.2%).
Moore, E. R., et al. (2021). Early skin-to-skin contact for mothers and their healthy newborn infants. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (10).
Moore, E. R., et al. (2025). Immediate or early skin-to-skin contact for mothers and their healthy newborn infants. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (via PMC). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD003519.pub5
Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2021). Nursing research: Generating and assessing evidence for nursing practice. Wolters Kluwer.
Tupitu, N. (2023). Determinants of IMD… (comparing local vs. national figures for 2018).
UNICEF Indonesia. (2024). Mothers need more breastfeeding support during the critical newborn period.
UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative. (2024). Research supporting breastfeeding: Skin-to-skin contact.
WHO. (2018). Implementation guidance: Protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding in facilities providing maternity and newborn services. World Health Organization.
WHO. (2023). Early initiation of breastfeeding (within the first hour): Recommendations.
WHO. (Commentary). Early initiation of breastfeeding within one hour is recommended; global variability persists.
WHO. (Indicator metadata). Early initiation of breastfeeding (%) protects newborns from infection and reduces mortality.
