Should your baby currently in a NICU due to premature birth, it is recommended to have your premature infant screened by both and OT and Speech and Feeding Therapist:

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• Occupational therapy within the neonatal ICU

  • Sensory integration of the preterm or ill infant. Regulating the baby for bonding, feeding, development and attachment.

  • Neurodevelopmental care of the preterm infant- Neurodevelopmental care provides care for the preterm or ill infant to prevent long-term complications of being in the neonatal ICU such as sensory processing difficulties and poor attachment.

  • Facilitating bonding and attachment as well as kangaroo mother care for premature and sensitive babies.

  • Education and training to the parents on baby’s behavioral states, handling, positioning, positive touch and optimizing the NICU environment.

  • Discharge session with the parents and baby-- teaching them handling at home; swaddling and positioning; stress cues; bathing; developmental milestones; how to enhance development.

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• Speech and Feeding therapy in neonatal ICU

  • Facilitate sucking and suckling of the preterm infant in the ICU.

  • Assisting in the transitioning from tube feeding to oral feeding.

  • Supporting the mom with breastfeeding, positioning and latching.

  • Neurodevelopmental care of the preterm infant.

  • Provide training, education and support to family/caregivers and other professionals.

  • Working collaboratively with professionals from many other disciplines, in order to support and treat the child with a holistic approach.

  • Facilitating bonding and attachment as well as kangaroo mother care for premature and sensitive babies.