POST-FARTUM EXTENDED MATERNAL-INFANT CONTACT: SUBSEQUENT MOTHERING AND CHILD HEALTH

Abstract

In a double-blind study, 301 low-income primiparous women were randomly assigned to rooming-in (RI) or control (C) post-partum (PP) beds. C mother-Infant dyads (N=158) were together for 20 minutes every 4 hours for feedings during the first 2 PP days; RI dyads (N=143) were together 6 additional hours each day. Duration of data collection from medical and agency records after delivery (12-21 months) is equivalent between the 2 groups, as are the descriptive data. Analysis is based upon 134 RI and 143 C dyads; 9 RI (6%) and 15 C (9.5%) were lost to follow-up. RI and C children did not differ in average age, frequency of outpatient visits, or frequency of well baby or acute illness diagnoses. No RI and 6 C (4%) were seen for either pertussis or the common exanthematous diseases of childhood (p < .0.05). One RI and 9 C (6%) experienced parenting failure (PF) (p<0.05); no RI and 8 C were hospitalized for PF (p < 0.01). No RI and 9 C experienced abuse, neglect, abandonment or nonorganic failure-to-thrive (p < 0.01). One RI and 5 C were referred to social agencies for possible child maltreatment. No RI and 5 C children either died (1) or experienced foster care (p < 0.05). Extended post-partum maternal-infant contact may benefit subsequent mothering and child health.