Skin Contact: Benefits for Preterm Babies |
Skin contact benefits preterm babies, because it improves autonomic and neurobehavioral maturation. It also helps with gastrointestinal adaptation, less crying and better growth.
Grisel Gigato, Lactation Nurse with the Center for Women and Infants at South Miami Hospital, explains premature babies may develop inflammation in their gastrointestinal tract, and skin-to-skin contact and breast-feeding are encouraged, because they provide nutrients and immunity.
