Family centered neonatal care

A survey on parental access, environmental and individualized neonatal care procedures, breast milk feeding and kangaroo mother care was performed in all Italian NICUs. Mothers are allowed unrestricted access in 29% NICUs: the main reasons for limiting parental access are structural and organizational limitations and interference with the staff activities. Most NICUs report reducing lights and noises for improving environmental care. Nesting in the incubator and regular change of postures are frequently reported, while individualized developmental care procedures are uncommon, as is breast milk feeding at discharge. Kangaroo mother care is performed in 67% of NICUs.