Mother‑Infant Interaction
Early contact between infants and mothers is vital for initiating their relationship (Hunt 2008 p48). Neonatal nurses play a crucial role in assisting the attachment process by promoting and encouraging early mother‑infant interaction (Chia and Sellick 2005 p20). Ways in which the nurse can support the mother and infant to interact directly are presented within the following three sub‑themes of kangaroo care, breastfeeding and participation in routine care.