A Neuro-protection Care Guide

Neuro-protection

Protecting the premature baby’s brain is vital part of neonatal intensive care. The brain is vulnerable to bleeds which are called Intraventricular Haemorrhage (IVH). We strive to provide the best and safest standards of care- the following guide and procedures have been suggested to reduce the risk of harm to your infant’s brain.

1. Use the incubator cover to keep your baby environment dark, staff will avoid banging the incubator doors or placing items on top to reduce excess noise. Reducing light and noise is beneficial to the developing brain.
2. A tortoise positioner is a special positioner to support your infant’s head in a midline position and the incubator will be tilted which optimise the blood supply to the brain.
3. Skin to skin contact with you is important for your baby’s development, it reduces their stress levels and will be facilitated wherever possible. Touch from parents is always encouraged.
4. To ensure your baby’s legs aren’t lifted above their head during nappy changes, 2 people will perform this. We encourage you to be involved in your baby’s care. Your baby’s care will be clustered this means carrying out procedures and nappy changes around the same time with long periods in between to allow time for your baby and their brain to rest and develop.

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