8: Unrestricted access to provide healing touch

for their infant in the NICU.

Affectionate caregiver touch involves slow, gentle stroking, pressure, and holding, which is best delivered at skin temperature

Chapter 8 Key Points

Awareness

  • Touch is essential for growth, stability, and comfort
  • Physical connection reduces pain and stress
  • Every interaction can be therapeutic

Assessment

  • Are opportunities for gentle touch consistent?
  • Do staff encourage parents to use touch confidently?
  • Are cultural and personal boundaries respected?

Action

  • Promote daily healing touch opportunities
  • Integrate touch into procedures and comfort care
  • Educate families on safe, meaningful contact

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Authors

Deanna Gibbs, BAppSc(OT), MOT, Grad Cert Res Meth, PhD

Christy Gliniak, PhD, OTR/L, CNT, CPXP

Yamile Jackson, PhD, PE, PMP

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© 2026 Family-Centered Care Taskforce. Family-Centered Care Taskforce. All rights reserved. This toolkit may be reproduced and distributed freely for educational and non-commercial purposes with attribution. Any use of this content must acknowledge the Family-Centered Care Taskforce as the source. No portion of this toolkit may be altered or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission. Custom illustrations created for this project are for FCC Taskforce toolkit use only and may not be altered or reused separately.

DISCLAIMER
Readers are advised to adapt the guidelines and resources based on their local facility’s level of care and patient populations served and are also advised not to rely solely on the guidelines presented here.