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Review
. 2014 May;37(2):131-54.
doi: 10.1016/j.infbeh.2013.12.009. Epub 2014 Feb 11.

Are parenting interventions effective in improving the relationship between mothers and their preterm infants?

Tracey Evans  1 , Koa Whittingham  2 , Matthew Sanders  3 , Paul Colditz  4 , Roslyn N Boyd  5
Affiliations
Review

Are parenting interventions effective in improving the relationship between mothers and their preterm infants?

Tracey Evans et al. Infant Behav Dev. 2014 May.

Abstract

Aim: To systematically review the efficacy of parenting interventions in improving the quality of the relationship between mothers and preterm infants.

Method: Randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials (RCT) of parenting interventions for mothers of preterm infants where mother-infant relationship quality outcomes were reported. Databases searched: The Cochrane Library, PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Web of Science.

Results: Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria, 14 with strong methodological quality. Eight parenting interventions were found to improve the quality of the mother-preterm infant relationship.

Conclusions: Heterogeneity of the interventions calls for an integrated new parenting program focusing on cue-based, responsive care from the mother to her preterm infant to improve the quality of the relationship for these mother-preterm infant dyads.

Keywords: Attachment; Mother–infant relationship; Parenting intervention; Prematurity; Preterm infant.

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