It is well-known that premature infants
are often deprived of soothing and
calming touch at birth. Painful procedures
and intrusive handling may occur
as medical and nursing personnel attempt
to stabilize and transport the infant
to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
(NICU). The loving touch and attachment
process between infant and parent(
s) is interrupted by attachment to
equipment, invasive procedures, noxious
stimuli, and the presence of hospital
staff.