Welcome to the NICU!

Congratulations on your new baby! We would like to introduce you to our therapy team and the services we provide in the NICU.

This can be a challenging time.  Our team is here to support you and your baby every step of the way.

Who are Neonatal Therapists?

This is a team of therapists that will support your baby as they grow and develop from birth. They work closely with your baby’s providers, nurses, and care team.

Here at Children’s Wisconsin, your baby’s therapy may include:

• Physical Therapists (PT)
• Occupational Therapists (OT)
• Speech and Language Pathologists (SLP)

Why Does My Baby Need Therapy Services?

Your baby will benefit from therapy services to help with feeding, sleeping, bonding, and growing. Our therapy team understands your baby’s special needs and cues. They will show you safe and gentle ways to touch, hold, and interact with your baby.

What do Neonatal Therapists Do with My Baby?

Therapists will start by meeting your family and checking your baby’s skills. They will continue to watch your baby’s progress during their NICU stay. Therapists will work with your family to understand your baby’s needs and support parent bonding.

This will include:

• Feeding support
• Soothing
• Positioning
• Family centered care
• Positive touch input
• Infant massage
• Keeping the brain safe during treatment

Your therapy team will help position your baby in a “nest” to keep them comfortable. They will:

• Tuck your baby’s arms and legs in close.
• Bring their hands close to the mouth to help soothe them.
• Keep your baby’s head in a straight, centered position when possible.

How Can You Start to Interact with Your Baby in the NICU?

You are an important part of your baby’s team. Your baby knows your voice, touch, and smell and responds best to you.

Your baby may be easily stressed by bright lights, noises, quick movements, and medical care. Premature babies are especially sensitive and need protection for their brain and body to grow.

You can support your baby in these simple ways:

• Touch: Use skin to skin holding or hand hugs. Your touch is the most consistent and loving comfort your baby can feel.
• Gentle hands: Avoid quick, stroking touches. Instead, use slow, gentle, steady pressure with your hands to help your baby feel secure.
• Support your baby’s body: Cradle your baby’s head, bottom or feet. This helps  prevent extra movement so your baby can save energy and stay calm. You can place your hand gently on your baby’s chest/back or offer your finger for baby to hold.
• Your voice: Talk softly or quietly singing to your baby.
• Scent: Your scent is comforting to your baby. You can use Q-tips dipped in breast milk to provide your scent when your baby’s is feeding with a feeding tube. Use bonding hearts when you are unable to be nearby.
• Sleep: Help your baby sleep by keeping lights low and using eye covers.
• Watch your baby’s signs and cues: Look for signs, your baby is ready to interact or ready to rest.

You are the most important person in your baby’s life. You know your baby best. It is important you also take care of yourself. Our care team is here to support you along the way!

For More Information Review These Resources:

SENSE Parent Guidebook Passcode: Sense!

International Association for Infant Massage (IAIM)