Circadian Feeding and Reciprocal Scent Intervention in NICU

Objective: This study evaluated the effects of circadian-aligned feeding and reciprocal scent intervention on premature infants receiving mechanical ventilation and on postpartum depression levels in their mothers. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 75 premature infants and their mothers were assigned to reciprocal scent, circadian feeding, or control groups (n=25 each). Interventions were applied for 21 days. Outcomes included time to weaning from mechanical ventilation, weight gain, hydration status, breast milk production, and maternal Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) scores.

Inclusion Criteria: Preterm neonates born before 37 weeks of gestation * Intubated neonates requiring mechanical ventilation support * Within the first 24 hours after birth * Receiving enteral feeding * Mothers willing to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: * Congenital anomalies or major malformations * Genetic syndromes or severe systemic diseases * Contraindications to breastfeeding (e.g., maternal HIV infection or cytotoxic drug use) * Inability of mothers to participate in study procedures