Children's Wisconsin’s Post

"Milestones. As parents, we mark and celebrate them. From first steps, to first words, to first days at school. Parents of children born prematurely will have ‘extra firsts’ or ‘additional milestones’; the first hold, first nappy change, first day in a cot or first day without oxygen or a feeding tube. These first milestones shape a neonatal journey and as we celebrate a big milestone for The Smallest Things." 💜 I’ve been reflecting on 10 years of The Smallest Things and how interwoven milestones and anniversaries are to the after NICU journey. https://lnkd.in/e8dK_NzJ

Today marks the beginning of World Breastfeeding Week. Mother’s milk for babies is crucial to improve digestive function, reduce infection, improve brain and eye development and improve bonding between mother and baby. When a baby is born premature, access to a hospital-grade breast pump becomes vital for a mother to express milk to feed her sick baby and ensure its ongoing well-being by providing a vital connection when physical connection is sometimes not possible. Read Humpty's article, 'Mother's Milk: Small Things Have a Big Impact in the NICU', to uncover accounts from parenting author and educator, Maggie Dent, and read first-hand experiences from three mums who gave birth prematurely. https://lnkd.in/gSq-JjA5

Have you been searching for innovative ways to support babies with feeding challenges? Look no further! We are thrilled to announce that the recording of our recent webinar, "Adapting Baby-Led Weaning for Babies with Feeding Challenges," is now available exclusively for lactation care professionals like you! Our expert presenter, Jill Rabin, M.S.CCC-SLP/L IBCLC, shared her extensive knowledge and experience in helping babies with feeding difficulties transition to solids using the Adapted Baby-Led Weaning Approach®. As a pediatric speech pathologist and international board-certified lactation consultant, Jill brings a wealth of insights to the table. By accessing this webinar recording, you will: 💡 Identify at least two populations that may face unique feeding challenges, expanding your understanding of the diverse needs of the babies in your care. 💡Discover at least two therapeutic benefits of using baby-led weaning with children facing feeding difficulties. This knowledge will empower you to make informed decisions in your practice. 💡Learn two practical ways to present foods to babies to encourage the development of self-feeding skills, enabling you to support their growth and independence. As a lactation care professional, you play a crucial role in the lives of babies and their families. By accessing this webinar recording, you'll gain valuable tools and knowledge to enhance your practice and positively impact the lives of those you serve. Invest today in your professional development and take your skills to the next level: https://lnkd.in/g37djFPi

Kangaroo Care Day (May 15):The theme for Kangaroo Care Day 2024, "Embrace the Magic", has been chosen to underscore the profound and transformative nature of skin-to-skin contact between parents and infants. This theme encourages a deeper appreciation for the emotional and physiological benefits inherent in the practice of Kangaroo Care. By employing the term "magic", the intention is to evoke a sense of wonder and enchantment associated with the positive outcomes that result from this nurturing interaction. It serves as a reminder to healthcare professionals, caregivers, and the broader community to approach Kangaroo Care with a heightened awareness of its intrinsic value and the remarkable impact it has on the well-being of newborns and premature infants. Embracing the magic of Kangaroo Care fosters a commitment to recognizing and prioritizing this invaluable practice within the realm of neonatal care.

here's a piece I produced for Cedars-Sinai about the importance of skin-to-skin for the tiniest babies in the NICU and new procedures that allow parents to hold those babies sooner after birth. https://lnkd.in/g6WVrifW

The Simulation Lab features baby manikins designed to help providers master a wide range of pediatric care. From premature infants to newborns and toddlers, their varied ages offer realistic scenarios – such as neonatal resuscitation and managing early childhood illnesses and injuries – to ensure providers are prepared for any situation with the youngest patients. https://bit.ly/43Ol3ty

Essential webinar to attend

🌟 Help Us Shine a Light on Pediatric Feeding Disorder!🌟 At Feeding Matters, we believe every child deserves the right to eat and thrive. Pediatric Feeding Disorder (PFD) affects countless families, creating challenges that often go unnoticed. As a PR & Awareness Intern, I’m proud to share our mission to increase awareness and support for those impacted by PFD. Together, we can make a difference! 🔍 What You Can Do: 1. Educate Yourself: Learn about PFD and its impact on children and families. 2. Spread the Word: Share this post and help us reach more people. 3. Get Involved: Visit our website to find out how you can support our initiatives. Join us in raising awareness and advocating for those in need. Together, we can create a world where every child can enjoy the joys of mealtime. #FeedingMatters #PediatricFeedingDisorder #Awareness #ChildHealth #SupportFamilies

We understand the COUNTLESS benefits of human milk for all babies, but especially premature babies. How can we support parents who are separated from their babies and want to provide breastmilk while in the NICU?  ❔Does your unit provide prenatal visits with lactation support personnel? ❔How does your NICU support the early pumping? ❔Are moms encouraged to pump at the bedside immediately after skin-to-skin? 📽️Watch today’s video as Casey Lewis MS, CCC-SLP, CNT, CLC, NTMTC provides tips for both healthcare professionals and parents on supporting early pumping experiences to help facilitate milk supply, as well as the importance of providing the ideal nutrition for premature babies. Casey describes how pumping helped her partake in one of the most pivotal roles in her baby’s care, motivated her to get to the NICU, and helped her heal. ⭐Dr. Brown’s Medical offers some breastfeeding support products. Check them out here: https://lnkd.in/gpkdDmPA ➡️Download Resource HERE: https://bit.ly/4cbKZmP

Today is World Prematurity Day 2024 – a day close to my heart. Each year, millions of babies around the world are born too soon, facing incredible challenges and uncertainties. For parents, it’s a journey filled with fear, hope, and resilience. For me, it’s deeply personal. Having been born prematurely myself and now as a mum to a premature baby, I know how life-altering this experience can be. Prematurity is not just about tiny babies—it’s about families navigating unexpected paths, grappling with complex emotions, and finding strength in moments of vulnerability. This year’s theme reminds us of the importance of raising awareness, advancing neonatal care, and supporting families before, during, and after their NICU journey. Together, we can ensure that no parent feels alone and every baby receives the care they need to thrive. Let’s take a moment to reflect, to share, and to advocate for those born too soon. Whether it’s through supporting organisations, sharing stories, or simply lending an ear to a parent navigating this journey—every action makes a difference. If you’ve experienced prematurity, either as a parent, caregiver, or healthcare professional, I’d love to hear your stories. Let’s amplify our voices and continue to raise awareness together. 💜 #WorldPrematurityDay #PrematureBabies #RaisingAwareness #NICUJourney #TogetherWeGrow