developmental positioning

Specialties NICU

Published

Hi, Quick question on developmental positioning, we have a 400g 27 weeker,delivered due to PIH and IUGR, and she is doing brilliantly, basically only on 21% o2 and occasional additional free flow, were just concerned about NEC at the mo, but what I really want to ask is, we are a bit behind in developmental positioning where can I find some guidelines, or can you give some guidelines on this? we have her on a "water bed" made out of a 3litre vaculitre and have her proned most of the time as she tends to do better that way, we have her under a radiant heater on an ICU bed and as we dont get Giraffes here we have covered her body with a headbox the whole thing fits over her with humidified O2, she looks comfortable enough not fussing that much but I would still like some advice or opinions.

Thanks

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, educator.

Make her a nest of blankets and get them tight around her...and get her on her sides at least once a shift. We make the blankets into a circle and then fill in with soft cloths to get them nice and tight.

I love IUGR babies...they are my fav!

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Specializes in NICU, adult med-tele.

I love IUGR babies...they are my fav!

Me too! Esp the little girls:)

I would also recommend the use of a little pad for her to flex around while she is prone, especially if she is going to spend a great deal of time on her tummy. Just make sure her neck doesn't get too extended.

http://www.meriter.com/living/preemie/understand/physical.htm

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Watch this video on positioning. You may not have these products, but I find most of them you can fashion out of blankets and saline bags.

http://chmv.respironics.com/EdVideos.asp

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