Trial Parameters
Brief Summary
This study will investigate stress that parents of children admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) experience. Investigation of a novel intervention of using bilateral alternating stimulation to reduce parental stress and anxiety and increase bonding/attachment in NICU. Evaluate parental stress and feelings of bonding using surveys before and after the intervention. Intervention will be done at neonate's bedside while admitted to the NICU. Vital sign data will be collected as a marker of parent and neonate's stress response during the intervention.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * admitted to the NICU at the time of study * greater than 34 weeks gestational age and less than 43 weeks gestational age * within 4 weeks of admission to NICU at time of initial contact * have parent or legal guardian willing and able to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: * those who are less than 3 days postop from surgical procedures * current use of psychotropic medications or medications that affect the central nervous system (CNS) * CNS anomaly.