PIPA
Where: Lyell McEwin Hospital
Address: Haydown Road, Elizabeth Vale
When: Every 4th Tuesday of the month
Time: 9.00am to 11.00am
Cost: Free
Contact: Shari - contactus@pipa.org.au
Other Details: All premmie families are welcome

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Please contact us if you have a premmie playgroup and would like it added to our website

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We are receiving some amazing nominations for our 2010 “Local Premmie Hero Awards”. We will be regularly sharing the wonderful achievements of our nominees over the coming months. Our nominees give so much to help others in the premmie community. We are sure that they will inspire you.

Our wonderful team of judges have a very hard task ahead.

If you know of a “premmie hero” who volunteers their time to help families nominate them today.

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Parool – Victoria

In 2003 Parool had a premature baby boy & at the time there was no support available to parents. Parool decided she had to change this so in 2005 together with 5 other premmie mums they started the charity Lifes Little Treasures of which she is now president and played a major role is forming the Premmie Foundation. She works tirelessly to provide the support network that families require on leaving hospital & most importantly strives to create awareness amongst the community.

Over the years she has made many personal sacrifices because what LLT stands for was so important to her & her beliefs. If she not on the phone she on the email 24/7, always working even on holidays!. Her ultimate wish is to provide information, support and encouragement to families with premature babies, empowering them to achieve the best outcomes for their children. She is always available when needed by a family & will do everything in her power to assist them.  She has a dream and is well on the way to fulfilling it. She’ll never take no for an answer! we are blessed to have her on our side…

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Dr Cartwright – Queensland

Dr Cartwright goes above and beyond his role in NICU/SCN at the Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital. Dr Cartwright basically never goes home, he is there early to late EVERY day, he rarely takes weekends off and when he is on holidays he rings in to ask about his patients. In fact he’s been known to ring in during the early hours of the morning at other times. He has rung his patients mobiles on many occasions post NICU to check on how their children are going and always makes sure that he does follow up appointments himself. He is also very involved if not the driving force behind a lot of research and development in the premature baby world. He has written textbooks and other publications on the care of extremely premature babies which is insightful to parents of prems.

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Stephanie – Queensland

Stephanie & her identical twin sister were born at 31 weeks gestation in 1996 and spent 6 weeks in hospital. From the age of 12 months until 5 years of age Stephanie suffered from numerous hospital admissions due to breathing difficulties and allergies. During this time she was desperately underweight and always looked unwell. Finally at aged 5, two ENT (ear, nose and throat) operations helped her to overcome her problems and since that time she has never looked back. From that time on she has taken every opportunity to enjoy life, be involved in numerous sports and to help other community members. Stephanie is now aged nearly 14 and is an athletic, healthy teenager. In 2007 aged 11, Stephanie decided she needed to do something to help other premature babies. She signed up to fundraise for the Mater Mothers’ Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Since that day Stephanie has worked over 100 hours annually to fundraise for the unit and done so much more. Without corporate contacts her fundraising has been through an enormous amount of time and effort.

To date Stephanie has raised $15,000 for the NICU and also highlighted and promoted the work carried out by the unit and the need for fundraising to be carried out for the hospital. This has been through numerous newspaper and magazine articles and web site information. She was the premature baby who is now helping other premature babies and their families.

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Sarah – Queensland

Sarah has founded a network for Central QLD mums and dads of premature babies and has been working hard to get a website up and running full of useful and very helpful information called CQ Prems. As well as this she is a mum of four (2 of which were premmies) and is also studing nursing at university. Sarah has a lot on her plate yet she still manages to find time to help others. Sarah is an integral committee member for the National Premmie Foundation which hold National Premmie Day celebrations throughout the country each year. Sarah is a “go getter” and puts everything she has into providing the best support to families.

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Elizabeth – Victoria

Elizabeth has given birth to 3 premature babies. Her first 2 babies, Victoria and Lara sadly passed away soon after birth at 24 weeks gestation. Her youngest daughter Tiana was born at 33 weeks is now in her 3rd year at school.

A dedicated and passionate volunteer and sponsor of both local and national premmie baby groups, Elizabeth donates a great % of sales from her Premmie Baby category through her online baby boutique La Toriana. Elizabeth has been a constant in supporting Bendigo group Loddon Mallee Kids with fundraising, morning teas, special events, advertising and an experienced business ear to bounce off. A recent link and support to another working Mum has led to an organic range of premature baby clothing being offered at affordable prices on LaToriana. Elizabeth also supported a mum in her quest to provide an outlet for handmade premature baby dolls for the great many families who desired them which is now known as Tummy Bear. All of the wonderful things Elizabeth does for others has led to her being nominated for our award.

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Nola – Western Australia

Nola is the grandmother to little Gemma born at 30 weeks gestation weighing 920 grams (a surviving twin). Nola lives in Western Australia and was nominated by her daughter. Since her grand daughter was 4 weeks old Nola has been sewing humidy crib covers, matching bags, peanut pillows and clothes for premmie and tiny babies and donating them to the King Edward Memorial Hospital in WA with all material funded by herself and a few lovely friends. She also takes in regular updates and photo’s of Gemma into the hospital to help give others hope at the end of the sometimes long and very daunting tunnel. Nola has been a rock for her daughter and the many families with babies in the King Edward Memorial Hospital who are the lucky recipients of her good will and love for our precious premature babies.

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Nominate your “premmie hero” today.

Who can help?

There is so much support around Australia for children with delays or special needs. The services of an Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, Psychology & Speech Therapist work with children who have a wide range of delays.

A few of the most common delays premature children face are;

• Speech & language delay
• Low muscle tone & low trunk tone
• Gross motor skills
• Fine motor skills
• Sensory processing disorders
• Global milestone delay
• Social & emotional development
• Growth delays
• Failure to thrive (feeding complications)

Who should you consult if you believe your child has a delay?

• Your General GP
• Your Maternal Child & Health Nurse
• Your Local Hospital
• Your Childs Paediatrician
• Child Care Centre and pre-school staff

Links and other resources for information and support

Australian Therapy Directory
Sensory processing disorders
Noah’s Ark
Premature infant programs
Find a specialised therapist in your area
Bestchance Early Intervention
Life Skills for Kids
Kids World
Kids Therapy Network
Kids Matters
Therapy Online
Occupational Therapy Australia

Check with the hospital where your baby was born to find out where they can refer your child if you have any concerns or if they have therapy available for your childs needs. Also speak to your MCHN about what services your local council has to offer.

If your child has a delay that will be evident for up to 12 months or more you may be eligible for Carers Allowence through Centrelink to help support you financially. The payments for Carers Allowence is $106.70 per fortnight. Further information and eligability details are available on their website.

Many of our members frequent private and public therapy services for their children around Australia so please join our “Growth, Development & Milestones” section on the forum where you will gain loads of support from parents.

Most premature children with developmental delays respond well to professional therapy.

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The subject matter provided in these articles is strictly for informational purposes alone and should never be used in the place of a doctor’s advice. Please ALWAYS contact your doctor if you ever have questions or need advice in any area where medical advice is needed or medication is suggested.

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Get to know the other parents in the NICU. I have made very many great friends who helped me through the ups and downs that come with having premature baby. We are still providing support to each other 2 years down the track. Keep a journal of things that happen whilst they are in hospital. It’s ok to cry and let your emotions show the hospital staff are very supportive.

Mum of Jordan and Benjamin born at 24+5 weeks gestation

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Talking to other parents certainly does help also joining forums where you can chat at your leisure from home connects you with other families. Take heaps of pictures and either keep a diary or start a blog!

Mum of Ronan born at 27+3 weeks gestation

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Look after yourself too so you have the energy to look after your baby. Your baby is looking to you for love and strength and those are the most powerful medicines that you can give to them.

Mum of Rachel born at 24+2 weeks gestation

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This is probably one of the most difficult experiences in your life, but try to find balance – easier said than done some days – between the worries and the joys. Don’t miss out on the happiness your amazing baby can bring you right now by stressing too much about the future. Take care of yourself, enjoy every little milestone and find people who will give you the emotional support you need (including other parents of a premature baby) to come to terms with what has happened and start the healing process.

Mum of Talia born at 26+6 weeks gestation

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I would advise parents to take the time for each other and their other children if they have any. Family is so very important and having some ’space’ to be normal is vital.

Mum of Ava born at 25+6 weeks gestation

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Take lots of photos!! Take comparison photo’s with a teddy or something to remind yourself how little they where and how far they have come. Remember to take care of you too… bubs needs you to be healthy.

Mum of Indiana born at 28+1 weeks gestation

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Take LOTS of pictures & keep a diary. Stand up for yourself and your baby, don’t let anyone push you around just because they are looking after your baby. Take people up on their offers to help.

Mum to Brendan born at 30+1 weeks gestation

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Giving birth to a prem baby is such an unexpected journey, ask the NICU nurses about all the amazing miracles they have seen… this gave me so much hope and you are allowed to cry… you can’t be strong the whole time.

Mum to Charlee-Belle born at 31+4 weeks gestation

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It is not easy but it is worth every struggle. You will have ups and downs and many frustrations but the pain will be outweighed by the beautiful boy or girl you have who has struggled so hard to be with you. When times are tough spend a minute looking at your baby or holding your baby and you will know it was worth it. Also get as much support around you as you can. This includes family, friends and through L’il Aussie Prems

Dad to Kai born at 32 weeks gestation

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Knowledge is power. Remember statistics are only that…and they are always changing – because our babies change them. Take loads of photos and still record all your “firsts” like first bath, first nappy change etc….

Mum to Harper & Cleo born at 32 weeks gestation

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Remember it is your baby, advocate for him/her whenever possible & take tonnes of photos, you will never believe they were so small when they are nearly 10 years old!!!

Mum to Eloise born at 34 weeks gestation

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Accept your child for whom they are. Don’t label them with problems just because of their gestational age. Tim at 36 weeks, caused us more dramas than his sister who was born at 32 weeks. Whatever gestation your baby is born at focus on what they achieve, not what they cannot achieve!

Mum to Tim born at 36+3 weeks gestation

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The information & advice from parents above is not intended to replace professional advice in anyway. We hope that it will give you comfort, advice & inspiration from other parents who have been in the NICU/SCN with their premature babies to help you along with your journey.

Always consult with your doctor or health professional if you have any concerns about your baby’s health or your wellbeing.

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Parent’s Name(s): Petra & Michael
Premmie Baby’s Name(s): Rachel Rose
D.O.B: 2/1/2010
Premmie Baby’s Sex(s): Female
State: NSW
Gestation: 26+3 weeks
Weight: 728 grams
Length: 30 cms
Premmie Baby – Announcement Message: Welcome to the world our little and gorgeous Rachel. All our strength to our little girl
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Parent’s Name(s): Belinda & Cameron
Premmie Baby’s Name(s): Angus William Claude
D.O.B: 03/01/2010
Premmie Baby’s Sex(s): Male
State: NSW
Gestation: 30+1
Weight: 1430 grams
Length: 40 cm
Premmie Baby – Announcement Message: Welcome to the world Little Angus, We are so proud of you.

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Parent’s Name(s): Nicki and Nigel
Premmie Baby’s Name(s): Toby Jaron and Jai Lewis
D.O.B: 08.01.10
Premmie Baby’s Sex(s): Male
State: QLD
Gestation: 30+3
Weight: 1870g and 610g
Length:
Hospital Where Born: Mater Mother’s Brisbane
Premmie Baby – Announcement Message: Welcome to our beautiful boys – we’re looking forward to our little battler Jai joining Toby at home.

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Parent’s Name(s): Leanne
Premmie Baby’s Name(s): Gabby Louise
D.O.B: 13 .1 .2010
Premmie Baby’s Sex(s): Girl
State: Qld
Gestation: 29 wks 4 Days
Weight: 1500grams
Length: 41cm
Premmie Baby – Announcement Message:

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Parent’s Name(s): Ian and Sze-Lin
Premmie Baby’s Name(s): Thomas
D.O.B: 14/1/10
Premmie Baby’s Sex(s): Male
State: Vic
Gestation: 33+0
Weight: 1.17kg
Length:
Premmie Baby – Announcement Message: Ian and Sze-Lin are delighted to welcome Thomas into the world, an unexpected but beautiful blessing from ‘The man upstairs’

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Parent’s Name(s): Garry and Nina
Premmie Baby’s Name(s): Chloe Elizabeth
D.O.B: 14.01.10
Premmie Baby’s Sex(s): Female
State: SA
Gestation: 33 weeks
Weight: 2.62kg
Length: 45.5
Hospital Where Born: Womens and Childrens Hospital, Adelaide
Premmie Baby – Announcement Message: Welcome to the world precious one. Mummy and Daddy are lucky to have you!

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Parent’s Name(s): Dan and Lauren
Premmie Baby’s Name(s): Harvey Frederick
D.O.B: 18/01/2010
Premmie Baby’s Sex(s): Male
State: New South Wales
Gestation: 26 + 2 weeks
Weight: 940 grams / 2lbs 1oz
Length: 36 cm
Premmie Baby – Announcement Message: Dan and Lauren are so proud to announce the very early arrival of Harvey Frederick. Little brother to our sleeping angel in Heaven, Ava Estelle. Go Harvey, Go!

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Parent’s Name(s): Suzie and Mick
Premmie Baby’s Name(s): Jazmin
D.O.B: 18/01/2010
Premmie Baby’s Sex(s): Female
State: VIC
Gestation: 23 + 2 weeks
Weight: 550 grams
Length: 27 cms
Premmie Baby – Announcement Message: A precious little gift …..

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Parent’s Name(s): Lisa
Premmie Baby’s Name(s): Eden Elizabeth
D.O.B: 20/1/2010
Premmie Baby’s Sex(s): female
State: qld
Gestation: 33weeks,4 days
Weight: 2.030kgs
Length: 47cm
Hospital Where Born:
Premmie Baby – Announcement Message: The Bean has arrived! Eden Elizabeth, born 20/10/2010. Baby sister to Cara,Dakota,Rani,Jai and Luka.

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Parent’s Name(s): Brendan and Samantha
Premmie Baby’s Name(s): Adalita Merrina
D.O.B: 30.01.2010
Premmie Baby’s Sex(s): female
State: QLD
Gestation: 32 weeks
Weight: 1673 grams
Length:
Hospital Where Born: Royal Brisbane and Womens Hospital
Premmie Baby – Announcement Message: My water broke on Australia Day with a big gush and a big surprise. We went to Nambour General Hospital for observation and were told that I would be transferred to the RBWH because I was only 31w + 3. Adalita was born at 05:10, 30.01.2010, exactly 32 weeks.She had to stay in the Grantley Stable Neonatal Unit until she was able to be transferred back to Nambour. The time she was in RBWH Brendan, Thomas and I were guests at Ronald McDonald House- the availability of the room meant we were all able to stay together, for which we are immensely grateful. Now we are at home, traveling daily to be with Adalita in Nambour General Hospital, looking forward to the day we bring her home.

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Parent’s Name(s): Sarah and James
Premmie Baby’s Name(s): Chelsea Jade
D.O.B: 04/02/2010
Premmie Baby’s Sex(s): Femle
State: SA
Gestation: 30 weeks + 5 days
Weight: 1400g
Length: 44cm
Hospital Where Born: Flinders Medical Centre
Premmie Baby – Announcement Message:

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Parent’s Name(s): Gail and Brent
Premmie Baby’s Name(s): Stephanie
D.O.B: 08/02/2010
Premmie Baby’s Sex(s): Female
State: Victoria
Gestation: 27 Weeks + 2 Days
Weight: 441 grams
Length: 27 cm
Hospital Where Born: Mercy for Women – Heidelberg
Premmie Baby – Announcement Message:

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Parent’s Name(s): Amanda and Craig
Premmie Baby’s Name(s): Lilyann
D.O.B: 11th February,2010
Premmie Baby’s Sex(s): Female
State: NSW
Gestation:
Weight: 2lb 4oz
Length:
Hospital Where Born: Wodonga
Premmie Baby – Announcement Message: Welcome to the World “Lilyann”Born Thursday, 11th Frebruary 2010 weiging 2lb 4 oz.Congratulations to your Mummy and Daddy for having such a sweet little girl.xxoo

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Parent’s Name(s): Angela & Ian
Premmie Baby’s Name(s): Grace Molly
D.O.B: 17th Feb 2010
Premmie Baby’s Sex(s): female
State: WA
Gestation: 34 weeks
Weight: 1.87
Length: 44cm
Hospital Where Born: King Edward
Premmie Baby – Announcement Message: What a surprise, Princess Grace Molly arrived 7 weeks early, cant wait to get her home, god bless King Eddies!

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If you wish to submit your premature babies birth announcement please go to our submission form or visit our birth announcements

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Parents Names: Mathew and Mary
Hospital where your baby was born: Launceston General Hospital
State: TAS
Premmie baby’s name(s): Petalynnn Rose
Premmie baby’s year of birth(s): 2009
Length of stay: 2 months or so
Baby’s gestation: 32 Weeks
Your thank you message: Thankyou to all the staff of the Nicu at the LGH Our baby girl has so many aunty’s now. If it wasn’t for you guy’s I don’t know how we would have gotten through.
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If you would like to submit a thank you message to your hospital please fill out our submission form.

Premmie Babies Name:
Gestation Born:
Weight When Born:
Length When Born:
Current Age:
Current Weight Now:
Babies Outlook/Ongoing Issues:
Advice From Parents:

Extra details – leave unless starting new page

If you would like to submit details about your premmie baby please fill out our submission form

Birth Announcements

Parent’s Name(s):
Premmie Baby’s Name(s):
D.O.B:
Premmie Baby’s Sex(s):
State:
Gestation:
Weight:
Length:
Hospital Where Born:
Premmie Baby – Announcement Message:

Hospital Thank you Messages

Parents Names:
Hospital where your baby was born:
State:
Premmie Baby’s name(s):
Premmie Baby’s year of birth(s):
Length of stay:
Baby’s gestation:
Your thank you message:

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Watch, listen and learn – your baby is your teacher!

Positive, nurturing touch is important in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) as premature babies often experience negative, painful touch by way of medical treatments. For an infant to interact socially, they must first be able to control their autonomic motor and behavioural state systems. Tactile support such as nurturing touch can help your baby to settle. Factors such as the environment, type and level of procedures along with the infants maturity will affect their ability to cope with stimulation. Environment can include noise from equipment, monitor alarms and other babies crying. The overall aim of positive, nurturing touch in the NICU is to reduce tactile sensitivity, to encourage bonding and attachment, to provide a pleasurable positive touch experience, to facilitate a positive interaction between parent and child, and to encourage an improved range of motion and relaxation for baby.

Parents and caregivers would ideally benefit in having an increased awareness and knowledge of their baby’s body language, or cues as it is otherwise known. It is important for parents to respect these ‘time out’ signals given by their baby. Through watching, listening and touching, parents become familiar of the individuality of their baby. This fosters a greater respect for their child, enhancing the parent-child bonding and communication (2).

Body language, stress cues and behavioural states

Premature babies at any time may display strong stress cues and body language associated with overstimulation. These cues include a change in skin colour (pale or mottling), change in breathing, change in heart rate (bradycardia), apnea, change in oxygen levels and a sudden change in baby’s behavioural state. Why is it important for parents to observe their baby? As every baby and every situation is unique, observing how your newborn sleeps and wakes (their ‘infant’ or ‘behavioural’ states) will give you an idea of your baby’s maturity, nervous system functioning and how well your baby can manage their environment (so as not to become overstimulated) (10).

Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in helping their baby to control, or manage, his or her state.

Further more, look for ‘cluster’ cues, that is, if more than one cue is evident, take a break from positive touch or resting hands and try again later. Some avoidance cues include yawning, hiccups, sneezing, facial grimacing, squirming movements, the ‘salute’ (fingers over face), looking away, jerky movements, finger splaying, tremors or clenched fists. So what are positive ‘coping’ cues or behaviours that are a good sign? Hand to mouth, hands together, sucking, smooth movements (as opposed to jerky) and grasping/holding. These are examples of inborn behavioural patterns that help your baby to stay calm, pay attention and remain controlled.

NIDCAP essentially decreases infant disruption and individualises the care and handling of preterm infants. Premature infants often show an adverse response to procedural touch, designed to ensure an infant’s survival. Hypoxia, bradycardia and sleep disruptions are often observed in response to medical procedural touch. Parents providing appropriate nurturing touch is actually critical for promoting optimal growth and development of their newborn.

The importance of touch

Touch is the largest sensory organ and the first to develop in utero. Touch is critical for growth and development, communication and learning. A child’s first emotional bonds are built through touch, which lays the foundation for future emotional and intellectual development. Touch alters oxytocin, which, in turn, provides relaxation, encourages bonding between parent and child and lowers stress hormone levels (9). Touch produces vagal tone regulation, improves awake state and motor activity, enhances physiological responses and behavoural organisation. (1).The skin and nervous system develop from the same embryonic cell. The sensory system of touch is one of the earliest sensations to develop during gestation, ultimately providing stimulation and communication for your baby. Touch is an intimate exchange between caregiver and infant. In the NICU, the development of the parent-infant relationship is quite complex, as preterm, high risk infants are medically fragile (6). A preterm infant’s central nervous system is rapidly growing and developing and most vunerable to environmental effects. Containment holds such as cupping the feet and head, are favoured in this situation and have shown to produce less behavioural stress and more quiet sleep in preterm infants, as well as providing stability for the infant and enhanced parent-infant relationship. Touch in the NICU should be supportive, sensitive, and the infant’s sleep/wake states and behavioural cues respected. Parents should monitor their baby’s response to touch and always look for avoidance cues.

Parents, being the primary nurturers, play a significant role in the continuity of touch interaction (6).

Another form of skin to skin contact is Kangaroo Care (KC), or Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC). KC originated in Colombia. Baby can be naked or partly naked with nappy on, lying on the parent’s chest, sometimes with a blanket placed over parent and baby. It has been shown that with KC, infants remain warm and have regular heartbeats, respiration and oxygenation. Research shows baby’s who experience Kangaroo Care sleep more deeply and cry less (9). Another study notes that in very preterm infants at twenty eight weeks, Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is an effective method for pain management, measured by the Prem Infant Pain Profile, or PIPP for short. After KMC, lance procedures were much lower than those babies without skin to skin contact, such as those babies who were in an incubator (4). In this study, skin to skin promoted a reduction in behavioural states and less physiological stress (7).

Containment Holds

In the NICU, still touch such as containment holds are recommended, this is especially so for medically fragile infants. Why? Because massage and stroking may be overstimulating to your baby’s immature nervous system and cause further distress. Only when your baby is ‘well’, that is, physiologically or medically stable, that stroking and massage be recommended. One study recommends hand containment (hold) is safe for medically fragile infants (3). This study also noted high levels of satisfaction amongst caregivers and nurses. The important point to note is that with any form of positive, nurturing touch, it is crucial to respect your infant’s body language. S. Tribotti, 1990, suggests fifteen minutes for three time per day. Containment holds include placing one hand on your baby’s head with the other on their lower back in the prone position (that is, lying face down on their tummy). S.Jay, 1982, recommends one hand placed on baby’s head with the other hand on your baby’s abdomen for twelve minutes, four times per day. It was noted that infants who received regular positive, nurturing touch became habituated to touch, and that infants who were physiologically fragile required less oxygen and had higher hematocrit levels. Another form of containment hold includes right hand on the coccyx and left hand on the top of baby’s head OR right hand cupping baby’s feet with left hand placed on top of baby’s head.

Premature babies in NICU respond positively to nurturing touch and massage (if medically stable), losing hyperflexia (contraction of the body) and withdrawing from touch behaviour. For parents, nurturing touch provides a change of focus from negative ‘medical’ touch intervention to empowerment and a sense of control. Some babies can only cope with one sensory stimulation, that is, touch or talking or eye contact, so find what your baby prefers by just being with them. Responsive, sensitive parenting promotes a secure attachment; this is important for your child’s psychological development in later life and their ability to cope with stress (10).

Resting Hands (Still Touch)

1) Breathe deeply and relax.

2) Warm the massage oil in your hands. [Massage oil recommendations for premature babies – the IAIM recommends a cold pressed, organic vegetable (edible) oil. C.Bond suggests refined, cold pressed, organic sunflower oil (5)].

3) Rest your hands on your baby’s body on an area that has been the least invaded with medical touch, for example, the back (if baby is lying on their tummy, or prone position).

4) Ensure that the room is warm; try to reduce noise and lights if possible (environmental stimulation).

5) Let your hands go heavy and relax your body.

6) Slow your breathing.

7) Enjoy this precious moment together!

Remember to watch your baby’s body language, or cues, paying attention for a cluster of ‘avoidance’ cues. At this point, take a break from positive nurturing touch and begin again later.

Massaging your premature baby

Massaging and touching your baby’s skin enhances and improves communication between your child’s brain and body. This skin stimulation is transmitted to the brain which regulates our body systems through the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is the only nerve in the body that branches out to the various systems in our bodies, for example, the circulatory, respiratory and digestive systems. A Touch Research Institute (TRI) study found premature babies gained an average 47% weight, were more active and alert and showed more mature neurological development than infants who did not receive massage.

Observe your baby’s alert cycles and behavioural states to decide the best time to begin or cease massage. Your baby may avoid eye contact as premature babies body and brain organisation is immature and still developing. Eye contact will slowly eventuate as they grow and mature. At 27 weeks gestation, vision is not usually a sense that your baby will use; it is around 35 weeks onwards that the visual system is rapidly developing as they attempt to follow and fix on objects (10).

When massaging your baby, it is suggested that moderate pressure is more relaxing for the preterm infant and less arousing as compared to light pressure, which may contribute to greater weight gain. Light/feathery touch can be overstimulating and irritating to baby.

Moderate pressure also was noted to have a positive effect on behavioural observations (8). If your baby is medically stable and growing, it has been recommended you can massage your baby up to three times per day. Remember to take into consideration your baby’s body language, or behavioural cues, and what infant state they are in, as massage and touch for any baby revolves around cue-based care.

Positioning

Having your baby close to you whilst you massage and interact, is important for premature babies. You may use a pillow for your baby to lie on in front of you, or, if you are sitting down with your back supported, bring your legs up together and baby can nestle on your lap. Giving your baby a secure boundary will help settle and relax them, for example, tuck your baby’s arms and chest with a blanket, allowing you to massage the lower half of their body. Before you begin to massage your baby, it is recommended that you 1) prepare 2) observe 3) ask permission 4) observe baby’s behavioural states/body language and 5) remember to pace the massage slowly.

Massage and gentle movement exercises for medically stable preterm infants have noted benefits, including enhanced body weight gain and improved developmental outcomes. Long term effects such as the quality of the mother-infant attachment and the child’s future behaviour and development are another positive benefit. In other research findings, babies cried less, had lower cortisol levels and regulated sleep after massage, and improved emotionally, socially and soothability. It is important to go slow. Environment is also important, to help baby feel relaxed and comfortable, for example, take note of your light and noise levels. Other long term benefits noted of massage provided to physiologically stable preterm infants, include an improvement in social development, enhanced motor development and an increase in alertness.

Where do you go to learn how to massage your premature baby? Contact the I.A.I.M (the International Association of Infant Massage) to find your nearest certified infant massage instructor. Idibidi Kids www.kidsmassage.com.au teach the I.A.I.M course in Perth. Their website contains a large amount of research studies, information and website links for those wanting to know more about massage and touch for premature infants.

What is the role of a Certified Infant Massage Instructor (CIMI)?

A CIMI acts as a facilitator. They facilitate communication between parent and infant in the IAIM parent education (infant massage) course as well as parental awareness of infant behavioural cues; CIMI’s also promote parental sensitivity during interaction with your infant. CIMI’s demonstrate on their baby dolls how to massage your baby using a series of strokes and techniques. In the I.A.I.M. infant massage course, you will learn to understand your baby’s body language (or cues), why babies cry, respect, bonding, relaxation, when to massage, what oil is best, parent empowerment, behavioural states (sleep and awake cycles), touch relaxation, colic massage routine, gentle yoga based movements and more. The I.A.I.M. offers the most comprehensive infant massage course within Australia and developed the only internationally accredited infant massage training program. The international program is endorsed by well-known and respected people in the fields of psychology, perinatal psychobiology, occupational therapy and neonatology in the United Kingdom.

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By Natalie Garmson
Cert. Infant Massage Instructor, West Australian State Representative (IAIM).
Natalie is a mother of two boys, and is passionate about research and education into the effects of positive, nurturing touch, infant massage and raising awareness of the benefits in the community.
www.idibidikids.com.au
Ph: 0411 615 641

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REFERENCES
1. Nurturing Touch in NICU at Stony Brook University Hospital, Dept. Nursing, Korea, 2005
2. “How Little You Are”, I.Hartrlius, M.A. L. Rasmussen, R.N, Denmark (article c/- IAIM instructor manual)
3. Touch and Massage for Medically Fragile Infants, 2007, K.Livingston, S.Beider et al
4. Kangaroo Mother Care diminishes pain from heel lance in very preterm neonates: A crossover trial, 2008. C. C Johnston et al, McGill University, Canada.
5. Oil for the Neonatal Unit, Cherry Bond, 2007 www.cherrybond.com
6. Developmental Care considerations for Touch and Massage in the NICU, J.Browne, 2000 www.preemie-l.org/massage.html
7. The Effects of skin to skin contact during acute pain in preterm newborns. T. Castral et al, 2007.
8. Moderate versus Light pressure massage therapy leads to greater weight gain in preterm infants. T. Field et al, 2006.
9. Touch, T.Field, 2003 (book).
10. The preterm Infant: NICU experience and beyond (notes from C.Bond workshop, Sydney 2009).

Do you know a

“Local Premmie Hero”

Someone who volunteers their time supporting families of premature babies?

Nominations are open for 2010

(Nominees do not need to have any premature children of their own)

Please visit our FAQ’s page

Every year in Australia, thousands of babies are born prematurely. Their families ride a rollercoaster of emotions as they watch their children fight to overcome the health and developmental issues facing them as a result of their early arrival. These issues continue long after the babies are discharged from hospital.

L’il Aussie Prems is seeking nominations from around Australia of “local premmie heroes” – the ordinary yet extraordinary people who give up their time to volunteer & support the families of premature babies both during their hospital stay and afterwards, doing everything from sewing tiny clothing for very low birth weight babies to setting up local playgroups for prematurely born children to organising fundraising for research into the causes of premature birth, the list is endless.

If you know someone special who helps to the make the journey easier for the many families in the premature community nominate them today!

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Our Premmie Hero Award Sponsors

Thanks to our Award Supporters

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