Occupational Therapy in Neonatal Intensive Care

The Occupational Therapy service in the Neonatal department is an integral part of the medical, nursing, and health team's work. The occupational therapy team includes certified occupational therapists who specialize in the development of premature infants and have extensive experience in providing care from the moment of birth. 

Our little patients include premature infants (babies born before the 37th week of pregnancy), newborns who need medical support after birth, newborns requiring support and hospitalisation due to a diagnosed defect or syndrome, and infants in both the transition unit and the healthy newborn department.

The body systems of premature infants and treated newborns are still developing, which can impact their health. That's why the occupational therapy team steps in early to offer treatment and support their growth. The treatment involves adjusting the sensory environment and providing tailored sensory stimulation to help with neuro-behavioral function, pain management, and stress relief. It also includes regulating sleep patterns, improving eating abilities, supporting the development of the body's musculoskeletal system, and using custom aids like braces to help maintain a functional posture. Additionally, we offer parent training, with a special focus on the parent-child relationship and bonding. 

The treatment starts right after birth and continues consistently throughout the hospital stay until discharge. Afterwards, follow-up support and development checks are provided within the relevant frameworks as needed.