title: Using developmental assessments in the NICU to empower families.
abstract: NICU nurses and developmental specialists have a unique opportunity to facilitate the beginning of a meaningful parent/infant relationship in the NICU setting. The Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (BNBAS) is one tool that can be utilized to support this process. When parents observe this assessment, they learn to recognize and understand infant cues and gain confidence for everyday routines such as diapering, feeding, general caregiving, and even taking that first trip with the baby to the grocery store. Parents become empowered when they discover not only their baby's amazing competencies, but also their own. In addition, the BNBAS provides a framework through which parents can effectively communicate and advocate for their baby.
authors.affiliation: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies, Arnold Palmer Medical Center, Orlando, FL 32806, USA. linda.lowman@ORHS.org
authors.forename: Linda B
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Lowman
authors.forename: Linda L
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Stone
authors.forename: Jean Gardner
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Cole
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002657:Child Development / Q000145:classification*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018730:Infant Behavior; D007224:Infant Care / Q000379:methods*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D015931:Intensive Care, Neonatal / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008297:Male; D017283:Neonatal Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D009460:Neurologic Examination / Q000379:methods; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education*