Child Maltreatment in the NICU: Recognizing the Unseen Harms
By: Mary Coughlin Published on: 09/10/2024This blog post explores the often overlooked forms of child maltreatment in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), emphasizing the importance of trauma-informed developmental care. From inadequate pain management and prolonged parental separation to lack of sleep protection and frightening feeding experiences, the post highlights how unintentional harm can impact preterm babies. It also underscores the critical role of compassionate collaborative care in supporting both the emotional well-being of infants and their families. Through a trauma-informed lens, this post calls for a balance of science and soul in neonatal care, ensuring that every baby has the opportunity to thrive
The Essential Principles of Trauma-Informed Developmental Care: A Lifeline in the NICU
By: Mary Coughlin Published on: 04/08/2024Discover the fundamental principles of Trauma-Informed Developmental Care (TIDC) and their crucial role in the NICU. This blog post delves into safety, transparency and trust, healthy relationships and interactions, empowerment, voice and choice, and equity, anti-bias, and cultural and gender affirmation. Learn how these principles create a nurturing environment, promote healing, and support the well-being of babies, families, and clinicians. Join us in exploring how TIDC serves as a lifeline, transforming the NICU into a space of compassion, growth, and resilience.
