"The latest development is that mom has been "forbidden" to hold the babies since 
yesterday until at least Monday, the rationale apparently being that 
this stresses them, and less handling will make them gain more weight 
more quickly."
Brings me back to my days as a NICU RN. With the exception of Neonatologists like Dr Nancy Wight and Dr Nils Bergman, NICU's have a long way to go to reach Biologically and Psychologically sensitive care. It amazes me  how as a society we have accepted a compensatory mechanism and normalized it. I.e. the idea that laying there undisturbed and alone in a "blanket nest", is less stressful and normal for the pre term infant.Of course, these are the same adults that developed in their own touch/intimacy deprived infancy and childhoods, so they can scarcely conceive of the idea that Skin to Skin and physical affection, and it's attendant release of endorphins and other untold chemicals, is a necessary thing to proper physical and emotional growth/development. And yes, unfortunately the system is set up to reward those that "conform" to the status quo, and judge, discredit and at the worst, criminalize those that have a different perception of "reality". I have worked in many Medical settings over the years, and I have met way too many "professionals", including therapists and social workers, who were so full of judgment and contempt, I silently wondered if they had skipped their classes on empathy, compassion and neutrality. 
Lisa Mooney, MSN CNM RN IBCLC and CST therapist in trainingI 		 	   		  
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