Abstract
BACKGROUND: Reports show that in 2020 approximately 3.6 million live births were recorded in the United States, with an estimated 9-13% of these infants requiring neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission due to complex medical needs. In the NICUs, where newborns require specialized attention, an interplay unfolds between parents and their infants. Within these sterile walls, each touch, each whispered word, carries significance, creating strong connections during medical treatments. METHODS: Our research seeks to examine the intricate relationship between parents and infants in the NICU through careful scientific investigation. Specifically, this paper serves as a foundational review of literature that highlights the importance of continuing research in this field. RESULTS: By examining existing studies, we aim to underscore the importance of attachment between mothers and infants, the necessity of evaluating their individual stress responses, and monitoring physiological changes. Also, we intend to better understand the mutual relationship between mother and child in the NICU setting. CONCLUSIONS: Ultimately, by identifying specific interventions that can mitigate the emotional and physiological stresses experienced by both mothers and infants in the NICU, we aim to identify technological needs of the kangaroo care (KC) program and integrate these findings into routine care practices. We expect that this investigation insights will encourage more research on how to promote a more nurturing environment that supports the health and well-being of both mother and child during a NICU stay.