Enhancement of mother-infant social interaction.

Thirty infants were assessed on the third day after delivery to determine their individual capabilities for social interactions. A modified Brazelton Neonatal Assessment Scale was used. The infant's mothers were interviewed to determine their perceptions of the social behavioral potential of their neonates. It was found that mothers had expected and did observe behaviors which the Brazelton Scale measures. The mothers did not, however, realize the purposeful nature of behavior such as response decrements to stimuli and finger sucking. Incorporation of this information in the lay literature related to childbearing and childrearing and in expectant parents' classes is recommended. A further recommendation considers the nurses' active role in contributing to the enhancement of maternal-infant social interaction during the early neonatal period.