This article contains a review of recent research on the: (1) effects of immediate post partum mother infant contact; (2) effects of early separation of parents and babies in neonatal intensive care; and (3) facilitation of reciprocal interaction between mothers and their infants in neonatal intensive care. A brief description of a study that would investigate the effects of an experimental intervention designed to facilitate synchronous interactions of mothers and their infants in neonatal intensive care units is also included. The proposed intervention would consist of using the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale to demonstrate to the experimental group of mothers the capabilities and individual strengths of their infants. (JMB)