Skin-to-skin parental contact with fragile preterm infants

J Am Osteopath Assoc. 1997 Aug;97(8):457-60. doi: 10.7556/jaoa.1997.97.8.457.

Abstract

Skin-to-skin contact has been implemented recently to facilitate maternal-infant bonding of preterm infants. The technique allows the removal of fragile preterm infants from an incubator to the bare chest of a parent or caretaker. When specific guidelines are followed, thermal stability can be maintained, parent-infant bonding can be facilitated, and parental satisfaction can be enhanced. We illustrate a case in which a preterm infant has skin-to-skin contact while being monitored for physiologic parameters, including heart and respiratory rate, oxyhemoglobin saturation, and nasal airflow. Improvements in breathing patterns in this infant during skin-to-skin care and maintenance of a normal temperature suggest that this technique may not only be safe and psychologically beneficial, but it may also promote physiologic improvement.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature*
  • Male
  • Mother-Child Relations*
  • Parenting / psychology*
  • Postnatal Care / methods*
  • Skin