Socialization in NICU grads

babyNP., APRN · Sep 2, 2013

Um...premature infants don't really need to be socialized with the outside world when RSV season is about to hit. I wouldn't take my premature infants out (if I had any) except for going to the pediatrician. Just in the spring, I took care of an ex-preemie, caught up with RSV that ended up in PICU, 8 months old, almost intubated, stayed for a week while recovering.

Are these former patients of yours? How do you know that they don't get "social" interaction?

Tawneybrady · Sep 2, 2013

The NICU grads are my nieces. No one except their mom and dad- not their sister, grandparents on either side, sisters, brothers, etc have been allowed to see the babies, ever. They wanted PT to see them and their parents said no. We were just concerned for the mom and the babies that they are going to be developing normally. Totally understand about RSV however more concerned about the isolation of the kids.

babyNP., APRN · Sep 2, 2013

The twins have never seen their sister or brother? How does that work? Do they live with grandma? Do the parents ever see their other kids? That seems a bit extreme that the siblings never get to see the twins. And by "PT" do you mean "physical therapy"? They denied physical therapy to the kids? That also seems extreme because the kiddos probably should see PT given their prematurity, but that sort of decision is best left up to the parents in consultation with their pediatrician. You don't know all of the history and individual circumstances...

One of the preemie parent blogs I read did a good blog on what she's done based on her docs recs, but this is more anecdotal and shouldn't be taken as medical advice: RSV Lockdown | Handpicked Miracle Can you guys skype/facetime with her to see the little ones?

NicuGal, MSN, RN · Sep 2, 2013

This is one of the reasons our preemies are followed for 2 years in our Soecial Care Clinic. These kids need PT, follow up. It is extreme if they are denying family.

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Sep 2, 2013

How long have they been home? Do they make scheduled MD visits?

Tawneybrady · Sep 3, 2013

These kiddos are kept in a separate part of their house so that their sister can't bring any "germs" into their area or around them. They say that they are doing exercises that PT showed them before they went home- but again no one has been able to see them. They have been going to the pediatrician and that was who suggested the extra PT. They wait in the car until it's their turn and then bring them in after they have met with the MD so the kiddos are in and out as quickly as possible. It really seems so extreme to our family and we are concerned about the mother and the kiddos- any advise, helpful articles would be helpful. I will say that I am all for taking precautions to prevent the kids from getting infections however letting no one see these kids is so over the top.

Bortaz, MSN, RN · Sep 4, 2013

The kids need PT, and the parents need counseling.

dansamy · Sep 4, 2013

The kids need PT, and the parents need counseling.

This.

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NicuGal, MSN, RN · Sep 4, 2013

The thing is, if they are not being followed up by a preemie clinic and only their private peds, then they don't have a social worker or PT there to see the kids. Our kids come to our Special care clinic for follow up, and we have all the specialties, social worker and OT/PT there. Unfortunately there isn't much you can do but hope they come around. It will

Become a problem when they are closer to a year and need that socialization.

CrazierThanYou · Sep 18, 2013

That is... well, it's bizarre. To say the least.

2012rnnewbie · Nov 3, 2013

Wow this is kind of scary, I hope they were able to get some help.