Stable parent-child bonds are fundamental to healthy child development, but it can also benefit the mother too, according to a recent study.

For parents of babies born prematurely or with special medical needs, this early bonding can be interrupted by the complex medical care required in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). However, researchers found that a little skin-to-skin snuggling between mothers and babies can go a long way toward reducing maternal stress levels.

"We found that all of the mothers reported an objective decrease in their stress level after skin-to-skin contact with their babies," neonatologist Natalia Isaza said in a statement.

She found that this was especially true regarding the reported stress of being separated from their infants, feeling helpless and unable to protect their infant from pain and painful procedures, and the general experience in the NICU.

Birthweights of the infants ranged from less than 1 pound to over 8 pounds (0.38 to 3.7 kg), and their ages varied from 3 to 109 days. The infants were being treated for a diversity of health issues, with more than half requiring oxygen support.

"We already know there are physiological benefits in the newborns when they are held skin-to-skin," Isaza said, such as stabilization of heart rate, breathing patterns and blood oxygen levels, gains in sleep time and weight, decreased crying, greater breastfeeding success and earlier hospital discharge. "Now we have more evidence that skin-to-skin contact can also decrease parental stress that can interfere with bonding, health and emotional wellness, and the interpersonal relations of parents, as well as breastfeeding rates."

Based on the findings, Isaza believe this simple technique should be encouraged in all NICUs.

The findings will be presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference & Exhibition.