Effectiveness of Breastfeeding as an Analgesic During Vaccination: A Systematic Review
Keywords:
Breast Feeding, Pain Management, Vaccination, InfantAbstract
Introduction: Vaccination is the most frequent and repeated painful procedure during infancy. The stress resulting from inadequate management of acute pain can trigger future anxiety and avoidance of healthcare. The objective of this study is to analyze the scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of breastfeeding as an analgesic strategy to mitigate pain caused by immunization in infants. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA statement guidelines. The search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, and SciELO databases, covering the period from 2015 to 2025. Randomized clinical trials and quasi-experimental studies using validated pain scales in children under six months of age weighing over 1 kg were included. Results: From 25 identified articles, 7 studies were selected, encompassing a total sample of 874 children. The most frequently used measurement scales were NIPS and MBPS. The evidence confirmed that breastfeeding significantly decreases pain scores and accelerates the stabilization of vital signs compared to control groups, even demonstrating superiority over methods such as music therapy or the administration of oral sucrose. Conclusions: Breastfeeding represents a safe, accessible, and highly effective non-pharmacological method for controlling pain induced by vaccination. Its routine implementation in pediatric clinical practice must be actively promoted.
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