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Technology to support bonding when separated at birth: A narrative review
S Schwartz1, B Lorenz2, K Agbemenu1
1School of Nursing, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.
Journal of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine
|October 4, 2025
Summary
Technology in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) can help mothers bond with their newborns during separation. While it reduces stress, parents may experience guilt, highlighting the need for staff consultation.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Maternal-infant bonding
- Health technology
Background:
- Newborns are often transferred from birth hospitals to tertiary care centers, causing maternal-infant separation.
- This separation can disrupt the crucial emotional bond between mother and child.
- Technology offers potential solutions to maintain this bond during neonatal intensive care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the literature on technology's role in supporting maternal-infant bonding when physical separation occurs.
- To identify parental emotional responses to using technology for viewing newborns in the NICU.
Main Methods:
- A narrative review was conducted using the PRISMA approach.
- Searches were performed across four databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, Web of Science, PubMed) from 2016-2023.
- Keywords included bonding, technology, neonatal intensive care (NICU), and web camera.
Main Results:
- Eleven studies were reviewed, identifying parental emotional responses to NICU technology.
- Positive emotions included decreased stress/anxiety and improved family relationships.
- Negative emotions reported were guilt and psychological distress.
Conclusions:
- Technology can aid bonding during NICU separation, but parental emotional responses vary.
- Consultation with NICU staff is crucial for successful technology implementation.
- Understanding technology's impact on parents and workflow is key to promoting bonding.
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