THE EFFECT OF MATERNAL TOUCH ON MELATONIN SECRETION IN
FULL TERM INFANTS AT EARLY POST NATAL STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT
*Goldstein Ferber S. **Laudon M. *Kuint J.
***Weller A. **Zisapel N.
*Department of Neonatology, Sheba Medical Center,
Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel.
** Department of Biochemistry, Tel Aviv University,
Israel
***Department of Psychology, Bar Ilan University, Israel
Objective: To investigate the effect of maternal
touch utilized during evenings on melatonin secretion post natal in full
term infants.
Methods: A novel procedure of maternal touch
based on Brazelton’s results in full terms (1975) and on others’ results in
animal newborns (Galland et al. 1993) was demonstrated by mothers while
putting their babies to sleep. Each mother carried out the treatment for 14
days starting at day 10 post natal. 6 sulphatoximelatonin samples in urea
were supplied at 6 and 8 weeks of age and at three months. At each date of
measurement night hours were sampled (11 pm through 7 am). Two groups were
included comprised of 30 dyads of mothers and their singleton infants: one
experimental group and one control group (i.e. no treatment). Exposure to
light after 8 pm and before 6 am was controlled. No mothers that used touch
ways of putting to sleep were included in the control group.
Results: Elisa assays and statistical evaluations
are currently being under investigation.
Conclusions: As melatonin is sensitive to
environmental stimuli and relaxation, maternal touch might be beneficial to
the maturation of melatonin secretion before the age of three months. This
conclusion might have numerous implications for maternal well-being and
mother infant interaction.