The word "stress" all too often describes the emotional state of a parent after the premature birth of a high risk infant. Research studies indicate specific reasons for parental stress in the context and settings associated with the premature birth of a child. Such reasons include lack of preparation for the early birth, the immature appearance and behavior of the infant, the grieving process in the parents, and the unfamiliar and frightening atmosphere of the neonatal intensive care unit. In this paper strategies for alleviation of these parental stress factors are proposed for utilization by the professional health care team. (RH)