A Holistic Vision for Neonatal Care: Merging the One Health Approach, Caring Science, and Trauma-Informed Developmental Care

"Healing the tiniest lives begins with recognizing that every baby is part of a greater ecosystem—one where love, trust, and connection are as vital as the science that sustains them." - Mary Coughlin

In the intricate world of newborn and neonatal care, every decision carries the potential to shape not only immediate outcomes but also the trajectory of a baby’s life. The One Health approach, a framework recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, offers a revolutionary perspective on care. When integrated with Trauma-Informed Developmental Care (TIDC) and the principles of Caring Science, this fusion creates a transformative model—one that nurtures resilience, addresses vulnerabilities, and embraces the ecological, relational, and humanistic complexity that defines neonatal health.

The Foundations of One Health, TIDC, and Caring Science

The One Health framework begins with a foundational understanding: human health cannot exist in isolation from the environment we inhabit or the systems that sustain us. It emphasizes that the health of people is deeply intertwined with the health of animals and the planet. This perspective aligns seamlessly with TIDC’s central tenet that a baby’s health is profoundly shaped by their environment, relationships, and the quality of care they receive.

Caring Science, as articulated by Jean Watson, introduces a deeply humanistic layer to this vision. At its heart is the belief that healthcare is not merely a technical act but a sacred encounter rooted in love, compassion, and connection. In the neonatal setting, Caring Science reminds us that every interaction—whether with the baby, family, or colleagues—has the potential to heal. Together, these frameworks call for a more expansive approach to neonatal care that transcends clinical tasks and fosters a culture of interconnectedness, trust, and mutual respect.

The Environment as a Partner in Healing

One Health and TIDC share a recognition of the profound influence of the environment on health outcomes. For One Health, this means addressing factors like pollution, noise, and access to safe spaces. For TIDC, it involves creating healing environments that buffer stress and trauma while supporting physical and emotional well-being. Caring Science deepens this understanding, encouraging us to view the environment not just as a physical space but as an energetic one that conveys love, calm, and safety.

In practice, this might involve designing neonatal care spaces with natural light, reducing noise pollution, and incorporating elements of nature to promote healing for newborns and their families. It also includes ensuring clean air and minimizing exposure to harmful chemicals. These measures, while seemingly small, create an ecosystem that fosters resilience—not just for the baby, but for the family and care team as well.

The Power of Relationships

Relationships lie at the heart of both TIDC and Caring Science. TIDC emphasizes the importance of safe, stable, and nurturing relationships in mitigating trauma, while Caring Science invites us to see every interaction as an opportunity to connect soul to soul. One Health, in turn, reminds us that the family unit operates within a broader relational ecosystem where parental and newborn health are inseparably linked.

For example, addressing parental mental health is not only a trauma-informed practice but also an ecological one. Supporting parents as partners in care fosters trust and empowerment, rippling outward to create healthier relationships and environments. Through these combined lenses, neonatal care becomes less about fixing and more about healing—supporting families in their journey to connection, resilience, and advocacy.

Addressing Systemic Stressors

Systemic stressors such as socioeconomic disparities, healthcare inequities, and environmental injustices are central concerns for One Health and TIDC alike. One Health addresses upstream determinants of health by focusing on prevention and systemic change, while TIDC works to eliminate trauma cues within care environments. Caring Science adds a layer of moral and ethical imperatives, urging clinicians to approach these challenges with courage, advocacy, and a commitment to justice.

Advocating for equitable access to perinatal care, addressing food insecurity, and creating culturally sensitive policies are examples of how these frameworks intersect. Each intervention acknowledges the interconnected systems at play and seeks to reduce stressors that could compromise the health of babies, families, and their communities.

Building Resilience in Newborns, Families, and Clinicians

Resilience is a cornerstone of all three frameworks. One Health emphasizes the resilience of ecosystems, TIDC focuses on the resilience of caregivers and families, and Caring Science highlights the resilience of the human spirit. Together, they offer a vision of neonatal care that is both preventive and restorative.

Clinicians trained in trauma-informed practices can act as buffers, recognizing and mitigating stress for newborns, families, and care teams. This aligns with Watson’s Caritas Processes, which call on caregivers to be fully present, cultivate healing environments, and practice intentional compassion. When clinicians are supported in this work—through resources, self-care, and collaborative relationships—they, too, become more resilient, fostering a culture of mutual healing.

A Call to Action: Caring Beyond the Crib

Integrating the One Health approach, Trauma-Informed Developmental Care, and Caring Science challenges us to think beyond the walls of the NICU. It calls for interdisciplinary collaboration, innovative policies, and a commitment to holistic, relational care. By embracing this union, we honor the complexity and beauty of neonatal life, recognizing that every baby exists within a web of systems—natural, relational, and energetic.

This model is not just about improving outcomes; it is about redefining care itself. It is about creating spaces where love, trust, and human connection are as essential as the science that saves lives. Together, these approaches remind us that neonatal care is not simply about survival—it is about thriving. With every baby we care for, we are given the opportunity to care for the world, one heartbeat at a time.

With gratitude and hope for a thriving future,
Mary

P.S. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this holistic vision for neonatal care—your experiences, insights, or questions. Let’s keep the conversation going!

And if you’re ready to take your passion for compassionate care to the next level, consider becoming a certified Trauma-Informed Professional (TIP).

Together, we can transform neonatal care, one connection at a time.