Parenting stress in mothers of preterm infants during early infancy

Preterm infants follow an altered neurodevelopmental trajectory compared to their term born peers as a result of the influence of early birth, and the altered environment. Infant massage in the preterm infant has shown positive effects on weight gain and reduced length of hospital stay. There is however, limited current evidence of improved neurodevelopment or improved attachment, maternal mood or anxiety.\ua0The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of infant massage performed by the mother in very preterm (VPT) infants.\ua0Effects on the infant will be assessed at the electrophysiological, neuroradiological and clinical levels. \ua0Effects on maternal mood, anxiety and mother-infant attachment will also be measured