Innovative strategies in maternal and infant health: Focus on non-pharmacological interventions

Maternal and infant health remains a key pillar of public health, greatly influencing future health and well-being from pregnancy through infancy. Recent attention within this field has been drawn to the exploration of innovative, non-pharmacological methods for improving outcomes for both mothers and their newborns. Despite strides in traditional care, these alternative therapies—such as music therapy, skin-to-skin contact, multisensory stimulation, virtual reality, and mindfulness—are increasingly recognized for their promising roles in managing pain, stress, and fostering recovery. Current research underscores the positive impact of these interventions; however, critical gaps exist in fully understanding their mechanisms, benefits, and clinical applications.

The primary aim of this Research Topic is to explore and define the role of non-pharmacological interventions in enhancing maternal and infant health. We seek to answer pressing questions regarding the effectiveness and implementation of these therapies, investigate mechanisms of action, and assess their long-term impacts. This is an opportunity to integrate knowledge across multiple disciplines such as pediatrics, neonatology, obstetrics, midwifery, psychology, nursing, rehabilitation, and public health. By welcoming contributions such as original research, systematic reviews, case studies, and clinical trials, the Research Topic aspires to improve clinical practice and inform effective policy making.

To gather further insights into the expansive field of maternal and infant health, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Non-pharmacological interventions for pain, stress, and anxiety in neonates and infants
• Maternal mental health during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum period
• Strategies to enhance parent-infant bonding and early developmental support
• Interventions promoting well-being in vulnerable populations (e.g., preterm infants, mothers with high-risk pregnancies)
• Innovations in neonatal care practices and perinatal support
• Family-centered models of care and interdisciplinary collaboration

By fostering dialogue and sharing evidence-based approaches, we aim to inspire clinical practice improvements in maternal and infant care, offering a comprehensive perspective on both short- and long-term outcomes. This open-access platform promises invaluable insights for healthcare professionals and researchers dedicated to maternal and child health advancements.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Maternal health, infant health, non-pharmacological interventions, neonatal care, innovative therapies

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.