الفهرس 
Neonatal jaundiceOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Our findings are particularly relevant given no significant differences were found regarding gender, delivery mode, birth weight, APGAR score and family history between massage and control groups.
No significant differences were found in basal laboratory data and defecation frequency between all studied groups. Defecation frequency increased by time in control and massage groups.
No significant differences were found in defecation frequency between massage and control groups by the first and second days. While by the third day, defecation frequency was significantly higher in massage group when compared to control group.
No significant differences were found in TSB level between massage and control groups by the first and second days. While, by the third day, TSB level was significantly lower in massage group when compared to control group.
Phototherapy duration and massage therapy were considered as independent predictors of lower TSB by the third day in neonates with hyperbilirubinem
Baby massage could reduce neonatal jaundice and control bilirubinemia to within the normal range. The significant reduction of neonatal jaundice in the study group can be explained by the study infant’ higher frequency of stooling on the first and second day compared to control infants (Jun et al; 2011). This research result consisted with this study. Furthermore, increased stool frequency on day 1 and 2 may be the cause for the low values of serum total bilirubin.
Moreover, massage therapy also stimulates the vagus nerve, which will increase the frequency of bowel movements and diminish the enterohepatic circulation of bilirubin, thereby increasing bilirubin excretion. Furthermore, in subcutaneous tissue, physiological massage therapy can increase the flow of blood, lymph, and tissue fluids, which increases the collection and excretion of waste products such as bilirubin (Mandana et al; 2015).
Infant massage facilitates caregivers-infant bonding and the development of warm, positive relationships, reduces stress responses to painful procedures, reduces pain associated with constipation, reduces colic, helps induce sleep, and effects positive feelings on caregivers while they are massaging their infants (Michael et al; 2015).