Effects of tactile stimulation on low and very low birthweight infants during the first week of life

Thirty-one low and very low birthweight infants were given tactile stimulation during the first week of life. Compared with the control group of 35 they showed less weight loss. When stimulation was started within the first 48 hours, there was significantly less weight loss than when it was started in the interval 49 to 120 hours. Gratitude is due also to the High Wycombe General Hospital, the Ashford (Middlesex) Clinic, Queen Charlotte’s Hospital for Women, the South London Hospital, and particularly St. George’s Hosptial (Tooting) for support and for access to their facilities; without them, and the participation of the mothers and their babies, this work could not have been accomplished.