Rediscovering Humanity in Healthcare: The B.U.F.F.E.R. Approach

"By embracing the B.U.F.F.E.R. approach, we rediscover our shared humanity, fostering healing and connection in the NICU." - Mary Coughlin

Happy Monday. I'm switching gears with my blog posts a little bit and hope you will share your most constructive feedback with me.

Today, I want to share something very close to my heart—the B.U.F.F.E.R. approach. This holistic framework came to me as a result of the work I have been doing with regard to trauma-informed care and the idea of moving away from 'summing the suffering to building the buffering' and embodies everything I believe in when it comes to Trauma-Informed Developmental Care (TIDC) in the NICU. I wanted to share this framework with you 🥹, beginning with...

Belonging

Imagine a world where everyone feels like they belong. In the NICU, creating a sense of belonging is paramount. It’s about fostering an environment where babies, families, and clinicians feel valued and included. When we nurture a sense of belonging, we lay the foundation for healing and growth. It’s about more than just medical care; it’s about human connection and emotional safety.

Understanding

Understanding is the bedrock of compassion. In TIDC, we strive to truly understand the experiences and emotions of the babies and families we serve. This means listening with our hearts and minds, recognizing the stress and trauma they endure, and responding with empathy. When we seek to understand, we validate their experiences and build trust, which is essential for effective care.

Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a powerful, often overlooked element of healing. In the high-stress environment of the NICU, mistakes and misunderstandings can occur. Embracing forgiveness allows us to move past these moments with grace and compassion. It’s about forgiving ourselves and others, fostering a culture of resilience and continuous improvement.

Frameworks

Every strong practice is built on solid frameworks. In the context of TIDC, frameworks guide us in creating consistent, compassionate care. They provide the structure within which we can innovate and adapt to meet the unique needs of each baby and family. The B.U.F.F.E.R. framework itself is a testament to the power of structured, thoughtful approaches in transforming care practices.

Equity

Equity ensures that every baby and family receives the care they need, regardless of their background or circumstances. It’s about recognizing and addressing disparities, advocating for fair treatment, and ensuring that our practices are inclusive. Equity in the NICU means giving every baby the best possible start in life, tailored to their specific needs.

Respect

Respect is the cornerstone of all our interactions. In the NICU, respect means honoring the dignity of every baby, family member, and colleague. It’s about recognizing the inherent worth of each individual and treating them with kindness and consideration. Respectful interactions build a positive, supportive environment where everyone can thrive.

Embracing B.U.F.F.E.R. in Our Daily Practice

The B.U.F.F.E.R. approach isn’t just a set of principles; it’s a call to action. It invites us to reflect on our practices, to embrace our shared humanity, and to commit to making every interaction a moment of healing and connection. By integrating Belonging, Understanding, Forgiveness, Frameworks, Equity, and Respect into our daily routines, we transform not only the care we provide but also ourselves as compassionate caregivers.

Together, we can make a difference. Let’s continue to elevate our practice, empower our compassion, and transform lives—one tiny human at a time.

With love and trust,

Mary Coughlin