We have known for a long time that even the tiniest of infants respond to stress, both negatively and positively.  A new study was published this week that focuses on how NICU-specific stressors (i.e. care provided by staff, noise levels, procedures, etc.) affect premature infants.  While the authors conclude that more research is needed, they did find that these stressors do have some affect on brain growth and development.**  

This is one of the reasons why we try to "decrease stimulation" in the NICU.  You may often hear the staff talking about "touch times" and "clustered care" or see dim lighting in the unit and isolettes with dark covers.  These are just some of the interventions that we are attempting to use to provide a less "stressful" NICU stay for our little patients.

If you have questions about how you can help reduce "stress" for your infant, please talk to us.  We would also love to hear your ideas and thoughts on the topic.  Please click on the "Comment" link below or drop me an email (by clicking on my name).



Have a stress-free weekend!



Julie Hudson, MSN, RN

NCBH NICU

**Smith, G. C., Gutovich, J., Smyser, C., Pineda, R., Newnham, C., Tjoeng, T. H., Vavasseur, C., Wallendorf, M., Neil, J. and Inder, T. (2011), Neonatal intensive care unit stress is associated with brain development in preterm infants. Annals of Neurology. doi: 10.1002/ana.22545