PARENTING AND POSITIVE TOUCH

NICU PARENTING
Many times when a baby requires intensive care the parents will have had little or no contact with the baby right after birth due to circumstances. Also, it may be days, weeks, or even months before the baby is ready to come home. To thrive, premature or sick babies need the loving attention of parents as much as they need food, warmth and oxygen.

Working with the doctors and staff, parents can do a lot to protect and comfort their baby in NICU. Slowly and carefully, they can introduce stimuli that nurtures their development. At first, it may be hard for you to recognize your baby's responses. But with practice and guidance, parents and babies can respond to each other in a positive way. Our NICU staff is committed to helping you understand your baby's behavior. That is why we started the "Cues and Clues Positive Touch Program".

Please read through the following pages to learn how your baby's gestational age affects it's behavior, what ranges of behavior you can expect, or when cues indicate stress and hopefully, happiness. The Positive Touch Program will guide you with clues to comforting your baby while enhancing their growth and development. Good Luck! We hope you join us in Infant Massage class during your stay.

THE IMPORTANCE OF A PARENT'S TOUCH
Touch is important to all of us. It is a means of communication that speaks volumes when we are in pain, physically or emotionally.

We believe, parents are a valuable resource that can help balance the negative touch of procedures found in NICU with a loving, positive touch that is gradually added over a period of time.

The TYPES OF POSITIVE TOUCH that is added as your baby grows or his/her health become more stable include:

•  1st Hand Containment
  
•  2nd Skin-to-Skin or "Kangaroo Care"
  
•  3rd Non-Nutritive Sucking (helpful if breastfeeding)
  
•  4th Infant Massage

Before you begin any Positive Touch Session, always:

•  Take care of your own needs first. Eat something, go to the restroom, take a few relaxing deep breaths to help you relax.
  
•  Visit with the nurse to make sure this is a good time in your baby's care for the session.
  
•  Wash your hands, warming them under warm water or under the radiant warmer of care center.
  
•  Get into a comfortable position.
  
•  Talk briefly to the baby, asking permission to touch first.
  
•  Note where equipment is on the baby and avoid temperature probe.

HAND CONTAINMENT
This first type of positive touch is the foundation for all comforting touch. It involves holding only with firm, gentle pressure; No Stroking Please! You can ask the nurse to show you how much pressure to use and if it is okay to talk or sing while containing your baby. Always watch your baby's reaction to touch. Refer to the bedside sign for SIGNS of STRESS or HAPPINESS and "WHAT" to do if stress occurs. For containment you will cup your hands and hold using one of the following:

When baby is lying on their back:
- cup the head and feet, or
- cup the head and chest, or
- cup the chest and legs/feet

When baby is lying on their tummy:
- cup the head and bottom, or
- cup the head and back, or
- cup the back and bottom

< t o p >

MORE ABOUT US

•   Visitation
  
•   Virtual tour - your first visit to the NICU
  
•   Primary Care
  
•   NICU Staff
  
•   Accessories - equipment that may be used
  
•   Special Tests or Treatments
  
•   Special Conditions of a Baby
  
•   Parenting and Positive Touch
  
•   Kangaroo Care
  
•   Infant Massage
  
•   Breastfeeding
  
•   Frequently Asked Questions
  
•   Understanding your Preemie
  
•   Going Home
  
•   Common Medications
  
•   Support Groups / Other Services
  
•   Financial Assistance
  
•   Daycare
  
•   Helpful Links