The benefits of trauma-informed care in the NICU

When my twin sons were born prematurely at 26 weeks’ gestation, my family’s lives were thrust into the whirlwind of the NICU and living daily with the reality of the babies (William and Elliott) being on life support. Having had no prior intense and prolonged experiences with the hospital, and watching helplessly and fretfully as my tiny two-pounders fought for their lives, it’s almost impossible to put into language what the experience was like — it’s as though my memory, in the interest of making me functional again, took away the words to describe many of the sensory and emotionally overwhelming elements we faced during that time. As a mental health clinician who can look back in retrospect, I can tell you that what I (and my husband) were experiencing was acute psychological trauma. After William’s death at a week old, my son Elliott spent a total of three months in the NICU. Throughout his stay, we experienced a new reality of sorts: one fraught with the constant fear of infection, disabilities, and death. One characterized by new people, new concepts, and new language. One that involved daily decision-making and collaboration with our medical team as to what direction to take, and the costs and benefits of different treatments. It was a reality that felt as if it might never end, but at the same time was incomprehensible to get accustomed to. Its unpredictability and severity were staggering. The experience of emotional trauma can have a lasting effect o...
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - Category: Journals (General) Authors: Tags: Conditions Intensive care Pediatrics Source Type: blogs