Empowering NICU Parents Podcast Optimizing Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in NICU Patients with Occupational Therapy

Our 16th podcast episode focuses on the positive neonatal neurodevelopment outcomes that occur when there is close collaboration and team work with the NICU care team and therapy services.

The podcast features, Tracey Kondrasuk-Brander, a certified neonatal and early intervention occupational therapist. She explains the all-important role of the occupational therapist in the NICU and why it is so crucial for premature and critically ill infants to receive therapy while they are in the NICU as well as once they are discharged home.

Tracey and I discuss the importance of developmentally appropriate care for infants including proper positioning of infants in the NICU, two-person care, small baby units, and a team work approach. Tracey explains how developmentally-supportive positioning for NICU infants helps to minimize their pain and place them into a calm state despite all of the NICU overstimulation they experience on a daily basis. She reviews the importance of positioning infants in a flexed, midline position and how it ultimately improves their long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes.

We discussed the importance of providing continual education to the parents regarding their infants development, proper positioning, developmental care, and range of motion activities while their infant is in the NICU. In preparation for discharge, the education for parents should shift to specific activities to focus on at home to continually support their infant’s development.

Lastly, we break down the difference between an infant’s chronological or actual age versus their corrected gestational age (CGA) or adjusted age and how to calculate it. We discuss why an accurate understanding of the infant’s CGA plays such an important role in the parental expectations of and the infant’s ability to achieve each of their developmental milestones.

Tracey has over 20 years of experience with NICU infants and she is very passionate about her work within our special NICU population. I know you will learn some valuable information from our discussion!

Empowering NICU Parents Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/episode15/

Empowering NICU Parents Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empoweringnicuparents/

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Empowering NICU Parents Podcast

A podcast specifically meant to educate and empower NICU parents as they endure their baby’s NICU journey. We provide you with tangible tips and support from my unique perspective as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) and a proud preemie Mama! Along with sharing answers to the NICU medical questions you have, Nicole will address and support you through the incredibly difficult emotional struggles that only a NICU parent can understand. Tune in and subscribe today!

To start 2024 out, our first episode focuses on marijuana use, its impact on pregnancy, the growing fetus and the child’s future development, as well as the implications of its use during breastfeeding.

Who would have thought that in 2024, we would be living in a time where marijuana use is so prominent and that it would be legal in 24 states as of January of 2024?!?

But, nonetheless, here we are! Because marijuana has been legalized in so many states, there are now false evolving perceptions on its general safety as well as its implications on the developing fetus and infant who are exposed to it either in utero or through breastmilk. In general, the perception of harm from marijuana is decreasing while the potency of marijuana is scarily increasing. Marijuana is the most widely used illegal drug during pregnancy in the United States. And, its use in gaining speed amongst all adult age groups, in both sexes, and in pregnant women.

For our 56th episode, I reviewed the most up-to-date literature and will share the findings from several studies that reveal both short and long-term negative effects on the pregnant mother and developing fetus if used during pregnancy, and its future implications on the growing infant, child, and their transition into the teenage years, and as an adult after prenatal exposure. I will also point out the general concentration of marijuana in breast milk if used by a nursing mother, as well as how long it stays in the breast milk, and how it may impact the exposed infant.

This episode is packed full of useful information and will be ideal for any healthcare worker or for family members and friends who care about a pregnant woman or nursing mother who is currently using marijuana and want to ensure that she is fully educated on the implications of its use on her growing fetus or infant. And last, but actually, the most important, I encourage ALL women who are either considering becoming pregnant or who are currently pregnant and use marijuana on a regular basis, to listen.

Although marijuana use is so prevelant, it is so crucial that we fully understand its potential impact on the fetus and the child’s future development if used during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
You will not want to miss this one!

Dr. Brown’s Medical: https://www.drbrownsmedical.com

Our NICU Roadmap: A Comprehensive NICU Journal: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicujournal/

NICU Mama Hats: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/hats/

NICU Milestone Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/nicuproducts/

Newborn Holiday Cards: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shop/

Empowering NICU Parents Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/shownotes/

Episode 56 Show Notes: https://empoweringnicuparents.com/episode56

Empowering NICU Parents Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empoweringnicuparents/

Empowering NICU Parents FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/empoweringnicuparents

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