Evidence-based thermal care of low birth weight neonates. Part 2: family-centred care principles

Abstract

Parents should be involved in the care of, and decision making for, their newborn, and separations should be minimised. Their needs should be anticipated, respected and catered for in the neonatal unit. Open, clear, consistent information and communication should be maintained. Recommended facilities include accommodation and equipment for expressing breast milk, 24-hour visiting, psychological support services and maximised opportunities for parents to provide positive, gentle touch and skin-to-skin contact with their child during the admission.