Study explores how active parent participation can improve neonatal health and reduce parental stress

The parent-offspring bond is a fundamental connection for humans. In neonatal care, particularly when caring for ill or preterm infants, special importance is given to active physical closeness between the parents and the infant. Research has shown that preterm infants who receive parental care in the form of physical and emotional closeness have better rates of growth and development. What's more, skin-to-skin contact with infants also reduces parental anxiety and stress. This concept of zero-separation in neonatal care has led to the development of the family integrated care model, where parents are mentored and trained to become the primary caregivers to their infant.