Infant Massage in the NICU

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU.

Hello All!!!

I am starting a new project in my unit, and I was wondering if any of you work in NICUs that incorporate infant massage for even your babies that are not in the "well-baby" nursery. If so, any details regarding criteria, people preforming, length, etc. would be appreciated. Thanks in advance! :) I truly appreciate it!

-BittyBaby:nurse:

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Specializes in ICN.

We have a child development specialist who will teach infant massage to any nurse or parent interested to learn. And we have every sort of baby in our unit from very sick micro-preemies to big bruisers with cardiac and everything in between. The Child Development specialist uses aquaphor and starts in small circles and tiny movements on the toes or heel, gently manipulating the whole foot eventually.

For some babies, this is as much stimulation as they can handle, so that's all she may do that day. She often comes back day after day to teach the moms how to do the whole body. The moms love learning to do this, because they feel connected to the babies, even those on vents or who cannot be held very often.

Dawn

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Specializes in critical care, PACU.

I had an exam question that said that it increases mental development and weight gain in studies. I would like to know the repercussions in practice.

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, educator.

Our OT/PT do massage 3x a week for all kids who need it! They will teach parents too.

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Specializes in CICU, NICU, Advice Nursing.

our ot/pt does it every day except on weekends

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