Likins

The Effects of Touch in the NICU

Kirsten A. Likins

Glenelg High School

GT Independent Research

Ms. Chawkat

April 23, 2020

Likins
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Introduction

A famous study was conducted by pediatrician Harry Bakwin in 1942. He went to

investigate a hospital in New York that was experiencing high mortality rates in infants believed

to be caused by the spread of infection. In an attempt to limit this the hospital staff separated the

infants into cubicle-like rooms with the only interaction being with nurses in full body suits and

even so they were told to touch the infants as little as possible. Not even parents were allowed

into the rooms. However, none of this lowered the mortality rate. Bakwin made a dramatic

change in policy against many people’s judgement and allowed and encouraged the nurses to

mother and cuddle the infants, he also allowed parents into the rooms more frequently. The

results were astounding. Even though this new policy greatly increased the risk of infection the

mortality rate fell from 35% for children under one to less than 10% in a year. This revolutionary

study brought to light this brand new idea that lack of touch not only has physiological effects

but can literally kill infants. As difficult as it is to grasp, 21,467 infants die per year in the United

States, many of which are born premature. This raises the question if touch has a factor in this

and if so what can be done? I believe that increasing positive touch in the NICU from both staff

and parents could lower infant mortality and better the health of premature infants.