It has been argued that infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Units are subject both to a highly stressful environment - continuous, highintensity
noise and bright light - and to a lack of the tactile stimulation that they would otherwise experience in the womb or in general
mothering care. As massage seems to both decrease stress and provide tactile stimulation, it has been recommended as an intervention
to promote growth and development of preterm and low-birth weight infants.