Gut babies

[spots]

Lately I have been assigned more than my share of gut babies :S Gastroschisis, hirshsprungs, bowel obstruction, ect. These babies are typically in our NICU for an extended time and have multiple surgeries and always NPO initially. The majority are miserable and cry and fuss (sometimes that's a good thing) all night. Anyone have any advice on how to console these special babies? It's my experience that they build up a tolerence to versed and the Docs are always concerned about long term use of fentanyl. I have tried swaddling and positioning when possible, and rocking of course, but nothing seems to be effective.

[TiffyRN, BSN, PhD]

Besides the usual things (like you mentioned; positioning, swaddling, rocking) there is also using warm blanket/diaper cloth over their bellies. This is especially effective right after they start those first feeds. Swings!!! Some kind sol donated a few swings to our unit and our gastro/gut babies live in those swings once they are stable.

[spots]

Tiffany good suggestions! I have used heel warmers on abdomens before and it does seem to work. These kiddos are always so miserable. I want to do more, but maybe there is only so much one can do

[BlueYYsRN]

Sometimes when I do mouthcare on these kids I will finish with some sucrose on a Q-tip. Not enough to swallow any but just enough to give them the taste.