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Infant mental health in occupational therapy practice in the neonatal intensive care unit
1Occupational Therapy Program, Associated Health Professions, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti 48197.
Insights
Supporting infant mental health starts in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) through family understanding and relationship building. Occupational therapy enhances optimal infant development within this critical care environment.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Infant mental health
- Developmental psychology
Background:
- Infant mental health and emotional development are crucial from birth, beginning in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
- Optimal infant development in the NICU relies on understanding family dynamics and fostering strong relationships.
- Parent-infant relationships are foundational for infant well-being, even in high-risk settings.
Abstract:
The work of supporting an infant's emotional development and mental health begins in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). It depends on understanding the family and uses the parallel processes involved in relationship building to maximize the environment for the optimal development of the infant in the NICU. Occupational therapy service provision is discussed in light of knowledge about the developmental work of the full-term neonates and their parents and the corresponding work of infants in the NICU and their families. A brief vignette of occupational therapy services provided in the context of a relationship-focused infant mental health model is included.