Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)/Premature Birth / (NAS) / (FASD)

• provides an opportunity for relaxation and bonding with the caregiver introduces a positive, nurturing touch, and provides appropriate stimulation to reduce cortisol and norepinephrine levels (stress hormones)
  
• may increase lung capacity
  
• may improve sleep
  
• may increase weight gain
  
• may improve brain and neurological development
  
• may assit state organization

Nursing for Women’s Health, Britt Frisk Pados, Kelly McGlothen-Bell (2019), Benefits of Infant Massage for Infants and Parents in the NICU, Nursing for Women’s Health Volume 23, Issue 3.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nwh.2019.03.004.

Abstract: Infant massage is an ancient therapeutic technique used around the world. For infants who experience painful procedures, are exposed to the stressful NICU environment, and are separated from their parents, infant massage has been promoted as a method to reduce stress and promote bonding. In this article, we review the current literature on infant massage in the NICU. There is evidence that infant massage has beneficial effects on preterm infants in the NICU, including shorter length of stay; reduced pain; and improved weight gain, feeding tolerance, and neurodevelopment. Parents who performed massage with their infants in the NICU reported experiencing less stress, anxiety, and depression. Neonatal nurses can obtain education and certification in infant massage and can teach parents infant massage techniques, thereby promoting the health and well-being of parent–infant dyads.