Evidence suggests that while sucrose reduces the behavioural signs of pain after procedures, it may not reduce signs of pain in the infant’s brain. However, the effect of maternal infant skin-to-skin contact on the brain during painful procedures in the NICU remains unclear. It is believed that maternal-infant skin-to-skin contact provided during painful procedures in early life may reduce pain activity in the brain.

 

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of maternal-infant skin-to-skin contact on pain-induced activity in the preterm brain. Given the negative outcomes associated with unmanaged pain, it is important that preterm babies receive the most effective pain relieving treatments to improve their health outcomes. Regardless of the direction, the findings will have important implications for informing optimal pain assessment and management practices in preterm babies in Nova Scotia and worldwide.

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For more information, please contact study Research Coordinator: Sarah Foye. 

 

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