The changing role of parents in neonatal care: a historical review

Area of Science:

• Neonatal care practices
• Pediatric development
• Family-centered care

Background:

• Historical review of neonatal care evolution over the past century.
• Technological advancements and improved care techniques have reduced infant mortality.
• Parental roles in infant development, especially in hospital settings, are increasingly recognized.

Observation:

• Barriers in the 20th century limited parental participation in neonatal care.
• Limited parental involvement negatively impacted infant outcomes.
• Current practices emphasize parental involvement as a cornerstone of family-centered care.

Findings:

• Parental roles have transformed from indirect involvement to active participation in neonatal care.
• Family-centered care models integrate parents as key partners in infant development.
• Historical context highlights the importance of parental presence for infant well-being.

Implications:

• Understanding historical trends informs the development of current and future family-centered care practices.
• Enhanced parental involvement in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) can improve infant outcomes.
• Promoting family-centered care is essential for optimizing infant development and family bonding.