NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) is a specialized ward that provides high medical monitoring and treatment for premature infants and other newborns who require special care. Premature infants refer to babies born at less than 37 weeks of gestation, who require treatment in the NICU due to incomplete physiological and behavioral development at birth. |Therefore, parents and medical staff of premature infants need to pay more attention to the special needs of these infants, among which early touch is very important for the development of premature infants. In this article, we will explore the development of premature infants and the benefits of early touch, and provide recommendations on how to perform early touch. |1、 The development of premature infants (1) Physiological characteristics of premature infants The physiological characteristics of premature infants are that their various systems are not fully developed and mature at birth, which makes them more prone to various health problems. For example, premature infants may have immature lungs, leading to difficulty breathing. Premature infants may not be able to digest milk in their gastrointestinal system and need to be fed through a gastric tube. Premature babies have very delicate skin that is susceptible to infection and damage. Therefore, premature infants need to receive special medical monitoring and treatment in the NICU. |（2） Delayed development of premature infants Delayed development of premature infants refers to the delay in physiological and behavioral development of premature infants relative to their full maturity. For example, premature infants may take longer to start sucking, shaking their heads, sitting, turning over, and walking. These delays may affect the quality of life of premature infants, so early touch is particularly important for their development. Early touch can promote the physical and psychological development of premature infants, helping them recover faster and adapt to the external environment. |2、 The benefits of early touch Early touch has a positive impact on the physical and psychological development of premature infants. |（1） Positive effects on the physical development of premature infants Early touch can promote the physical development of premature infants, including: 1. Promoting growth and development: Early touch can promote weight gain and head circumference increase in premature infants, promoting their growth and development. |2. Enhance immunity: Early touch can promote the development of the immune system in premature infants and reduce the risk of infection. |3. Improve intestinal function: Early touch can improve the intestinal function of premature infants, promote digestion and absorption. |（2） The positive impact on the psychological development of premature infants Early touch can promote the psychological development of premature infants, including: 1. Promoting a sense of security: Early touch can help premature infants establish a sense of security and trust, reduce their anxiety and fear. |2. Promote cognitive development: Early touch can promote the brain development of premature infants, improve their cognitive ability and intelligence level. |3. Promote emotional communication: Early touch can promote emotional communication between premature infants and parents or medical staff, establish intimate relationships, and improve the emotional health of infants. |In summary, early touch has a positive impact on the physical and psychological development of premature infants, and therefore should be widely used in NICUs. |3、 How to conduct early touch The following points need to be noted when conducting early touch: (1) Time and frequency of touch Early touch should start as early as possible and be done as much as possible, multiple times a day, with each session lasting more than 15 minutes. In the first few days after premature birth, due to physical discomfort and the need for treatment, touch may not start immediately, but it should be started as soon as possible. |（2） The methods and techniques of touch Early touch methods and techniques need to be personalized and applied according to the physiological and psychological characteristics of premature infants. The following are some commonly used touch methods and techniques: 1. Gentle touch method: Gently touch the premature infant's body with fingers, including the head, arms, legs, and other parts. This kind of touch can promote the sensory development of premature infants, increase their comfort and sense of security. |2. Loose massage method: Gently massage the muscles of premature infants with fingers or palms, which can promote muscle development and circulatory system development, increase the comfort and safety of premature infants. |3. Side lying touch method: Place the premature baby in a side lying position and gently touch their body, including the head, back, arms, legs, and other parts, with your hands. This touch can promote the development of premature infants' respiratory, circulatory, and digestive systems, increasing their comfort and safety. |4. Enhancing Connection Method: Establishing connections between premature infants and their parents or touchers through methods such as hand shaking or eye to eye interactions can promote emotional development and establish parent-child relationships, increasing premature infants' sense of security and trust. |It should be noted that the methods and techniques of touch should avoid using overly stimulating or intense touch to prevent excessive stimulation or discomfort to premature infants. Caregivers should always pay attention to the vital signs and behavioral reactions of premature infants, adjust touch methods and techniques in a timely manner, and ensure the safety and comfort of premature infants. At the same time, the caresser should pay attention to maintaining cleanliness and hygiene to avoid spreading the infection. |4、 Attention Required (1) Appropriate Time for Touching Premature Infants Premature infants have very fragile skin, so they need to be touched at the appropriate time. On the second day after the birth of premature infants, touch can usually begin, but the specific touch time and method should be determined based on the condition of the premature infant and the advice of the doctor. Generally speaking, early touch should continue until premature infants are discharged from the hospital. |（2） Is it appropriate to touch premature infants with certain conditions? Some premature infants with certain conditions may not be suitable for touch, such as breathing difficulties, circulatory instability, infections, etc. Before conducting touch, medical staff will evaluate premature infants to determine if they are suitable for touch. If premature infants have other illnesses or special circumstances, they should be touched under the guidance of a doctor. |（3） Requirements and skills for caressers Early caressing requires certain skills and experience. Touchers need to pay attention to hand hygiene and disinfection, and wear sterile gloves. The caresser needs to gently and gently caress and massage, paying attention to the reactions of premature infants to avoid excessive stimulation. Before conducting touch, the caresser should receive relevant training and guidance to understand the physiological characteristics and touch techniques of premature infants. |In summary, early touch has a significant positive impact on the physical and psychological development of premature infants, promoting their growth and development, reducing the occurrence of complications, and improving their survival rate and quality of life. In addition, early touch can promote the establishment of emotional connections between mother and baby, enhance the intimacy between mother and baby, and facilitate the establishment and maintenance of breastfeeding. |Promoting early touch is of great significance in promoting the health and development of premature infants. It can help parents and caregivers understand the benefits and methods of early touch, improve their skills and safety awareness, and ensure the safety and health of premature infants. In addition, medical institutions should provide corresponding training and support, establish a comprehensive touch service system, and provide better touch services for premature infants and families.
Expert Medical Knowledge
Sharing trusted health information