Randomized controlled trial of skin-to-skin contact from birth versus conventional incubator for physiological stabilization in 1200 g to 2199 g newborns.
Publication of the report of Bergman et al. should stimulate replications by others. If these investigators' findings are confirmed, and clear guidelines for the care of premature infants in the kangaroo method in the first 6 h and beyond are published, with particular attention to warm coverings for the babies' backs, this research could benefit large numbers of premature infants in the Third World.


CONCLUSIONS
As the authors indicate, skin-to-skin contact from the birth of premature infants may also be a good alternative in First World settings.
Kennell
John H
JH
Case University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA. jhk3@po.cwru.edu
D006801:Humans; D007186:Incubators, Infant; D007224:Infant Care / Q000379:methods*; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; D008426:Maternal Deprivation; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012867:Skin