Developmental Care for Preemies and their Families: One Neonatologist’s Journey toward NIDCAP Practice

Abstract

Over the course of a 40+ year career in pediatrics and neonatology, I moved slowly toward the sort of developmentally sensitive practice with infants and families exemplified by the Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program (NIDCAP). I was somewhat misled by early neurologic teachings, but was put on the right track during pediatric and fellowship training. Finding guidance from mentors in NIDCAP, I learned to “read” my patients’ reactions and messages, and to tailor my care to their individual capabilities and expectations. Sharing these insights with other caregivers and parents allowed me to support the infants’ neurodevelopment, to avoid negative impacts on their developing nervous systems and to discharge a more intact graduate sooner, and at less expense. NIDCAP makes for better neonatology and it is worthy, both inherently and scientifically, of your consideration.