Alternately, Franck and Spencer (2003 p35) argue that nurses should take every opportunity to encourage and educate mothers in participating in their infants care, while considering all factors that might influence safe parental participation to facilitate mother‑infant attachment. Similarly, Fegran et al (2008 p369) suggests that it is vital for mothers to maintain a close relationship with the primary nurse to meet the demands of increased participation. Practice standards should therefore reflect a commitment to assisting parents to achieve a high level of contact and participation in their infants care.