Understanding Maternal Perspectives of Skin-To-Skin Contact for the Management of Acute Pain in Very and Extremely Preterm Infants

Abstract

Skin-to-skin care (SSC) and skin-to-skin contact for pain (SSCP) offer physiological and emotional benefits in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). However, little is known about how birthing parents of very and extremely preterm infants (V/EPT; < 32 weeks gestation), a significantly challenging preterm infant population to enact SSCP, perceive this intervention. This study explores birthing parents’ experiences and perceptions of SSC and SSCP in the NICU through virtual interviews with 38 mothers of V/EPT infants admitted to Canadian NICUs within the past five years. Data were synthesized around eight themes relating to SSC and SSCP. Mothers also evaluated a priori concepts and proposed interventions. Although most described their experiences as rewarding, barriers such as inconsistent staff support, practical challenges, and emotional strain often hindered use of SSCP. Findings suggest staff training, standardizing protocols, mental health support, and flexible, family-centred policies appear key to improving SSCP engagement with V/EPT infants.