Establishing a foundation for optimal feeding outcomes in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Feeding difficulties are common in infants hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Setting a foundation for successful oral feeding starts from the moment of birth. For infants born preterm or with medical complexity, this starts long before the first time a breast or bottle is presented for feeding. In this paper, we discuss strategies to protect infants from noxious stimuli and promote positive sensory experiences to support neurodevelopment for the complex task of feeding.

Authors: Britt Pados & Kristy Fuller

Publication information: Nursing for Women’s Health. 2020; 24(3): 202-209. doi: 10.1016/j.nwh.2020.03.007

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To consent, or not to consent, that is the question: Ethical issues of informed consent for the use of donor human milk in the NICU setting

Except in rare instances, mother’s own milk (MOM) is the best source of nutrition for her infant and there is evidence that it reduces comorbidities common to prematurity and very low birth weight. When there is not sufficient MOM for an infant’s nutritional needs or when there are contraindications to the use of MOM, pasteurized donor human milk (DHM) is a viable substitution. In this paper, we discuss the history of DHM use and the ethics surrounding the consent process for the use of DHM. There is a need for standardization and consistent use of informed consent for DHM in the NICU.

Authors: Kelly McGlothen-Bell, Lisa Cleveland, & Britt Pados

Publication information: Advances in Neonatal Care. 2019; 19(5): 371-375. doi: 10.1097/ANC.0000000000000651

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Developing a co-regulated, cue-based feeding practice: The critical role of assessment and reflection

Using a case of a very preterm infant, we illustrate the assessment of early feeding skills and how reflection on the infant’s capacities and methods of adapting to feeding can be used to identify potential targets for co-regulating the feeding experience. Taking a descriptive approach to feeding assessment, we provide an example of how to account for the dynamic nature of feeding and the changes that come with infant maturation and experience.

Authors: Suzanne Thoyre, Jinhee Park, Britt Pados, & Carol Hubbard

Publication information: Journal of Neonatal Nursing. 2013; 19(4): 139-148. doi: 10.1016/j.jnn.2013.01.002

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The blue baby blues: A rare case of cyanosis in the newborn

In this paper, we describe the case of a full-term infant who presented at birth with cardiorespiratory failure of unknown origin. At approximately 10 hours of life, the infant was transported to our children’s hospital given failure to respond to respiratory support. A full history and clinical presentation are provided along with case study questions and answers to guide clinical learning.

Authors: Britt Pados & Ann Philip

Publication information: Journal of Pediatric Healthcare. 2008; 22(3): 190-195. doi: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2008.01.003

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