A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE ORIGINS OF NEONATAL NURSING

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22370/bre.101.2025.4678.

Keywords:

History of neonatology, neonatal nursing, premature

Abstract

Modern neonatology as a specialty is relatively new, originating in the 1960s when premature and sick newborns were identified as a unique population requiring specialized care. However, the general origins of neonatology can be traced back to the late 19th century with the invention of the incubator by obstetrician Pierre Tarnier. In this context, neonatal nursing, focused on the care of premature infants, also has its roots in this era, through the care provided by Tarnier’s team of nurses at the Paris Maternité Hospital. As for the evolution of neonatal nursing, it has been exponential, starting as a technical and isolated form of care, disconnected from parents and families, and evolving into an integrated, humanized, and comprehensive approach.

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Author Biographies

Andrea Paez, Universidad del Desarrollo

Enfermera. Doctoranda. Doctorado en Ciencias del Desarrollo y Psicopatología

Margarita Poblete Troncoso, Universidad Católica del Maule

Académica Escuela de Enfermería- Universidad Católica del Maule

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Published

2025-05-09

Issue

Section

Historical Articles