Acute effects of maternal skin-to-skin contact and massage on saliva cortisol in preterm infants

Gitau, R., Modi, N., Gianakoulopoulos, X., Bond, C., Glover, V. and Stevenson, J. (2002) Acute effects of maternal skin-to-skin contact and massage on saliva cortisol in preterm infants. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 20 (2), 83-88. (doi:10.1080/02646830220134595).

Abstract

Saliva samples were obtained from clinically stable preterm babies in a low dependency unit, pre and 20 minutes post a 20 minute intervention of maternal skin-to-skin contact, or massage, or a control period. Eleven pre and post skin-to-skin contact, 13 pre and post massage and 16 pre and post a control period samples were obtained. There was no change in the control period. A 20 minute period of maternal skin-to-skin contact caused a consistent and significant reduction in infant saliva cortisol levels; the effects of massage were more variable.

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