RESUMO
That was a convergent-care study, carried out in a maternity ward in the Southern Region of Brazil from April to May 2009, with the purpose to comprehend the meanings of premature mother-child skin-to-skin contact and relevant nursing contributions. Data were collected through participant observation and interviews involving nine mothers. Four categories were identified: a) predelivery orientation surrounding premature mother-child skin-to-skin contact; b) establishing premature mother-child skin-to-skin contact; c) meanings of premature mother-child skin-to-skin contact for the mother; and d) nursing contributions in establishing premature mother-child skin-to-skin contact. It was concluded that the meanings of premature mother-child skin-to-skin contact attributed by these mothers is positive, and that nursing's contribution in establishing such contact is significant.