One hot topic in the treatment of children with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and other developmental disabilities is the use of complementary, alternative, or integrative medicine. Because the boundaries between medicine, alternative practice, and what is considered ‘mainstream’ treatment can be confusing, we’re providing a short primer on what exactly these different terms mean. What is […]
Kangaroo Care and the Parent-Child Bond
A recent NPR health segment discussed many of the benefits of a popular form of newborn care called kangaroo care. Kangaroo care is when newborn babies are placed on their mother’s or father’s bare chest instead of in a bassinet or other form of crib. Physician and researcher Nils Bergman explains the benefits of kangaroo […]
Specific Brain Cells Affected by Low Oxygen Levels at Birth
Premature babies (born before 37 weeks gestation) are at a higher risk of health complications than those born at term. Complications can include, but are not limited to (1): More time spent in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Breathing problems, such as respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) Infections resulting from an immature immune system Brain […]
Why Are Parents Reluctant to Speak Up in the NICU?
Sometimes, parents of babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) have concerns about their babies’ treatment, but are hesitant to discuss these with doctors and other medical staff. Research published in the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing elucidates factors that influence parents’ willingness to speak up in the NICU. Audrey Lyndon and […]
Use of Ondansetron (Zofran) During Pregnancy
Ondansetron, or the brand name Zofran, is a powerful antiemetic agent, or drug that is used to treat nausea and vomiting. It has commonly been used to treat nausea and vomiting resulting from chemotherapy, surgery, anesthesia, and radiation therapy (1). It is also used to treat nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP, otherwise known as […]