What should be a standard practice for a nurse when caring for a neonate at risk for impaired attachment due to maternal drug use?

Promoting skin-to-skin contact is a vital practice when caring for a neonate at risk for impaired attachment, particularly in the context of maternal drug use. Skin-to-skin contact, also known as kangaroo care, fosters physical and emotional bonding between the parent and the infant. This practice enhances the neonate's physiological stability, promotes breastfeeding success, and supports the development of healthy attachment behaviors.

For neonates with mothers who have used drugs, establishing a strong bond is crucial, as maternal drug use can complicate attachment due to potential emotional and behavioral challenges. Skin-to-skin contact can mitigate some of these issues by encouraging intimacy and trust, which are essential for healthy attachment formation. Furthermore, the warmth and soothing touch provided through skin-to-skin care can help regulate the infant's temperature, heart rate, and stress levels, creating a more conducive environment for bonding.

In this context, avoiding parent education, limiting parent presence, or encouraging separation for assessments would not facilitate successful attachment and could worsen the emotional disconnect between the mother and child. Therefore, promoting skin-to-skin contact stands out as the best practice for fostering attachment and supporting the overall well-being of both the neonate and the mother.