Article Summary: The Science of Breastfeeding and Brain Development (Belfort, 2017) Overview This review summarizes the evidence that breastfeeding—particularly exclusive and longer-duration breastfeeding—supports brain development and cognitive outcomes in both term and preterm infants. The author reviews observational studies, randomized trials, and research in NICU populations to explain what is currently known and where questions remain. Key Findings 1. Breastfeeding is a

Going Home with a Nasogastric (NG) Tube Your baby has made great progress and is ready to go home, but they may still need a little extra help with feeding. An NG (nasogastric) tube is a soft, flexible tube that goes through your baby's nose and into their stomach. It allows your baby to receive the nutrition they need while they continue learning to feed by mouth. Why does my baby need an NG tube? Many babies in the NICU, especially those born early or who have had medical c

Sun Safety Tips for Infants Here are some things to keep in mind this summer when outside with infants younger than 6 months: Keep your baby in the shade as much as possible. Talk to your pediatrician before using any sunscreen on your baby. Make sure your child wears clothing that covers and protects his or her sensitive skin. If you hold the fabric against your hand and it’s sheer enough to see through it, it probably doesn’t offer enough protection. Make sure your baby wea

Whole genome sequencing (WGS) analyzes nearly the entire genome, including both coding and noncoding regions, to identify genetic variants that may contribute to disease. https://www.genedx.com/providers/whole-genome-sequencing Whole exome sequencing is a clinical genetic test used by clinicians to evaluate patients with suspected rare genetic conditions. https://www.genedx.com/providers/whole-exome-sequencing

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a common heart condition in preterm infants where a blood vessel called the ductus arteriosus fails to close after birth. This vessel normally closes soon after delivery, but when it remains open, it can cause complications such as heart failure, lung problems, and poor growth. Understanding the available treatment options is crucial for healthcare providers and families to make informed decisions that support the infant’s health and developm

A preterm baby is placed in an isolette because their body isn’t quite ready to keep itself warm on its own yet. The isolette acts like a little, carefully controlled environment—almost like a substitute for the warmth they would still be getting inside the womb. Why preterm babies struggle to stay warm: 1. They lose heat very easily Preterm babies are very small with a large surface area compared to their body weight, so heat escapes quickly Their skin is thin and not fully

Hospitalized preterm infants who received routine 2-month vaccines were 2.7 times more likely to experience brief apneic events than those who were not vaccinated, according to a study published today in JAMA Pediatrics (https://bit.ly/4h4956t). Study authors and AAP experts, however, said the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risk of apnea, and the results do not warrant changes to immunization recommendations for preterm infants. “Unvaccinated premature infants face muc

ACOG Affirms Safety and Benefits of Acetaminophen during Pregnancy The following is a statement from Steven J. Fleischman, MD, MBA, FACOG, president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG): “Suggestions that acetaminophen use in pregnancy causes autism are not only highly concerning to clinicians but also irresponsible when considering the harmful and confusing message they send to pregnant patients, including those who may need to rely on this benef

Total parenteral nutrition, or TPN, is a way of giving your baby the nutrition they need directly into their bloodstream through an IV until they can tolerate food in their intestines. When babies are born premature, their body isn't ready to digest milk or formula yet so TPN is given to provide nutrition until your baby can slowly increase the amount of food they are taking in. TPN is made up of several important parts: Sugar (glucose): This gives your baby energy—kind of

Actual age (or chronological age) “How long it’s been since your baby was born” Corrected age (or adjusted age) “Your baby’s age based on when they were supposed to be born” When your baby is born early they are not expected to do things based on their actual ago- they are expected to meet milestones based on their corrected age. For example: If your baby was born at 30 weeks gestation then when they are 10 weeks old they are corrected to 40 weeks which means they are suppo

Hearing the term “chronic lung disease” about your baby can feel really scary. Doctors use that phrase in a very specific, medical way—and it often sounds worse than what it means in the NICU context. What they mean by “chronic lung disease” In preterm babies, this usually refers to Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) . It doesn’t mean your baby has a lifelong, worsening lung condition. Instead, it means: Your baby’s lungs were born early and are still developing They needed ex

1. Name and Validate the Grief Many parents feel guilty grieving when their baby is alive. Normalize it and tell yourself it is ok to feel sad about the pregnancy and birth you expected even when loving the baby you have just given birth to. Acknowledge dual emotions: joy + fear + loss can coexist Avoid minimizing language like “at least the baby is here and alive." Don't minimize your emotions, they are valid and deserve to be felt. 2. Explain This as a Form of Loss Framing

Babies in the NICU, especially those born early, often develop some changes in the shape of their head. This happens because their skull bones are still very soft, and they may spend a lot of time lying in one position. The important thing to know is that this does not affect brain growth or development . It’s about the shape of the skull, not how the brain is growing. In the NICU, babies need to be positioned in certain ways for breathing, comfort, and safety. Because of tha

W hy transfusions are needed in preterm infants Babies—especially premature babies—naturally have lower red blood cell levels over time. This happens for a few reasons: Their bodies aren’t making new red blood cells as quickly as they would if they were a term infant. Their red blood cells break down faster than an adult red blood cell because after birth the body naturally wants to replace fetal hemoglobin to adult hemoglobin which is what is inside the red blood cell to be

When Should Preterm Babies Get Vaccines? (Please discuss all your concerns with your doctor. This information is not meant to take the place of your doctor's recommendation.) One of the most common questions in the NICU is: “Do premature babies follow the same vaccine schedule?” The key point: Preterm infants should receive vaccines based on their chronological age (their actual age since birth), NOT their corrected gestational age. The Centers for Disease Control and Prev

How your milk helps your baby Having a baby in the NICU can change how feeding looks—but your milk is still incredibly powerful medicine for your baby. 💛 Why your milk matters For babies in the NICU, human milk: Protects against infections Supports gut and brain development Lowers the risk of serious intestinal illness Helps with growth and long-term health Even small amounts make a difference. 🍼 Making milk is feeding your baby Your baby may not be ready to breastfeed ye

Page Ideas: 🌱 “Our Beginning” pages Baby’s name (and what it means) Date and time of birth Gestational age and weight at birth A photo of baby’s first footprint or handprint (if available) “The day we met you” reflection page 🏥 NICU milestones (big and small!) Encourage parents to celebrate every win: First time holding hands First kangaroo care First outfit or hat First bath Coming off a ventilator or CPAP Moving from isolette to crib First bottle or breastfeeding attempt

Check out TheNICUworld.com shop for all your NICU needs. Coming soon- a unique, soft, comfortable shirt specially designed for doing skin to skin with your preterm infant in the NICU. Email us at TheNICUWorld@gmail.com if you want more information and the chance to preorder.

The ABCs of Safe Sleep A = Alone Baby sleeps alone in their own space (crib, bassinet, or play yard) No pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, bumpers, or positioners B = On Their Back Always place your baby on their back for every sleep—naps and nighttime This is the single most important way to reduce the risk of SIDS C = In a Crib (or bassinet/play yard) Use a firm, flat mattress with a tight-fitting sheet only The sleep space should meet current safety standards Room-shar