Using developmental assessments in the NICU to empower families

NICU nurses and developmental specialists have a unique opportunity to facilitate the beginning of a meaningful parent/infant relationship in the NICU setting. The Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (BNBAS) is one tool that can be utilized to support this process. When parents observe th...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inNeonatal network Vol. 25; no. 3; p. 177
Main Authors Lowman, Linda B, Stone, Linda L, Cole, Jean Gardner
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.05.2006
Subjects
Adult
Child Development - classification
Female
Humans
Infant Behavior
Infant Care - methods
Infant, Newborn
Intensive Care, Neonatal - organization & administration
Male
Neonatal Nursing - methods
Neurologic Examination - methods
Neuropsychological Tests
Nursing Methodology Research
Parent-Child Relations
Parents - education
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Summary:NICU nurses and developmental specialists have a unique opportunity to facilitate the beginning of a meaningful parent/infant relationship in the NICU setting. The Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (BNBAS) is one tool that can be utilized to support this process. When parents observe this assessment, they learn to recognize and understand infant cues and gain confidence for everyday routines such as diapering, feeding, general caregiving, and even taking that first trip with the baby to the grocery store. Parents become empowered when they discover not only their baby's amazing competencies, but also their own. In addition, the BNBAS provides a framework through which parents can effectively communicate and advocate for their baby.
ISSN:0730-0832
DOI:10.1891/0730-0832.25.3.177