This week we invited a speech pathologist to speak to our parents. Believe it or not, they play a huge role in teaching the premies how to suck, swallow, and breathe, which is often the last "hurdle" before the baby can be sent home. She spoke about techniques for feeding, such as semi-upright positioning (holding the baby at about a 45-60 degree angle) or side-lying positioning for proper digestion. She suggested slow-flow nipples for bottle-feedings, and reminded the parents to always feed in a calm, quiet environment. She also mentioned Kangaroo Care's benefits on feedings (YAY!). In my experience, this parent hour has been one of our most successful hours because all of the parents are anxious to see their baby eating so that they can go home!
I am still trying to figure out ways to further encourage Kangaroo/Skin-to-skin care. Since the March of Dimes is a national organization, and UAB is an academic hospital, they have already thought of many of the ideas I have suggested. However, we are continuing to brain storm to determine the best way(s) to increase the use of this important therapy.
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