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Developmental Care includes
different practices used to minimize the stress placed on premature
babies during their NICU stay. Use of developmental care has been shown
to promote earlier bottle feeding, quicker weight gain, and earlier
discharge.
Positioning and Touching
Positioning is important because your preemie cannot get into a
comfortable position on his/her own. Over time, positioning affects your
baby’s motor development. Your will see “Boundaries” around your baby
and your baby will be well supported to provide an environment like the
womb. Learning correct touching is important because studies show
that touch may be more stressful than soothing for preemies younger than
about 30 weeks gestation. For older preemies, however, gentle touching
can be helpful.
Preemies react in different ways according to different touches and
handling. For very small preemies, the skin is very fragile and touching
has to be done with great care. A firm, steady touch is more calming to
your baby as opposed to a light, stroking, feathery touch which may be
upsetting. Your baby will give you signs and tell you whether
he/she is comfortable or whether they need a break. It is important to
remember your baby loves you and needs you, and is not rejecting you.
Sometimes he gets overwhelmed and just needs to sleep and grow. The
staff will point out your baby’s communication signs and signals.
As your baby grows and becomes stable, gentle human touch or massage
for a short period every day has been shown to be beneficial and may
help your baby gain weight faster. As with everything, the methods used
and length of time your baby is handled needs to be based on his/her
responses. Your baby’s nurse will guide you and teach you how to touch
and handle your baby.
Lights and Sound
Light is a concern because bright lights may cause injury to the
eye, may disturb body rhythms, or may keep your baby from opening
his/her eyes and looking around. Therefore, if your baby is less than 36
weeks old, the lights will be dimmed. Preemies are at risk for
developing Retinopathy of Prematurity (www.nei.nih.gov/health/rop/), (ROP),
changes in the eye that can lead to decreased or loss of vision, if
severe. Your may see that your baby’s bed is covered to block out
light. With special monitors displaying heart rate, breathing and oxygen
levels, the staff knows how your baby is doing even with the bed
covered.
Sound may be a concern because loud sounds may damage the baby’s
ears, lead to hearing loss and be stressful for your baby. Loud sounds,
in addition to the sounds of the bed motors and breathing equipment, may
raise the noise level to an uncomfortable one. Talking quietly,
closing doors and portholes gently and not dropping things on top of the
isolette are all ways of reducing the noise level and keeping your baby
more comfortable.
Your voice is the sound that most preemies prefer. Keep in mind that
the very small preemie may be disturbed by any extra sound. Therefore,
staff may request that the introduction of extra sound be postponed
until your baby has grown and matured enough to enjoy this additional
stimulation.
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