Developmentally Supportive Care

A. WHAT IS DEVELOPMENTALLY SUPPORTIVE CARE?

• Definition: DSC is a systematic, structured process starting from NICU admission until discharge and beyond, designed to support the infant's development.
• Rationale: The period of maximum cognitive development (3rd trimester to 3 months post-birth) for preterm infants occurs in the NICU.
• The Problem: A standard NICU environment is often harmful and overstimulating, leaving infants exhausted, fussy, and irritable.
• The Goal: To create a "healing environment" customized to the infant's needs that minimizes stress/pain and supports optimal growth.
• Approach: It involves all members of the "NICU family" (providers, parents, support staff) and, while protocol-guided, does not strictly follow a rigid routine.

B. COMPONENTS OF DEVELOPMENTALLY SUPPORTIVE CARE

There are seven core components of DSC.

1. Safeguarding Sleep

• Importance: Essential for brain development; often disrupted in NICU.
• Interventions:
  • Quiet Time: Each infant deserves periods without medical or caregiving interruptions.
  • Environment: Dimming lights and reducing noise aids undisturbed sleep.
  • Techniques: Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), nesting, swaddling, containment, and lateral positioning.
  • Cluster Care: Grouping care activities to maximize sleep duration.

2. Minimizing Stress and Pain

• Cues: Infants communicate pain/stress through behavioral cues that must be observed.
• Management: Care during medical interventions must respect these cues. The environment should be modified to facilitate the infant's self-regulatory mechanisms (e.g., sucking, grasping) to restore organization.

3. Creating a Healing Environment

Modifying sensory inputs to prevent overstimulation.

A. Visual Stimulation

• Lighting: Minimize light; cover incubators with thick cloth to block direct daylight.
• Protection: Shield eyes during phototherapy.
• Interaction: Avoid talking while encouraging eye contact (prevents sensory overload). The infant may only tolerate brief exposure to the mother's face (held 20–25 cm away). Avoid forcing the infant to look at overhead lights (causes arching).

B. Auditory Stimulation

• Threshold: Sound intensity should be <45 dB.
• Staff: Speak softly; move away from the bedside for discussions. Do not speak loudly across the room.
• Equipment: Respond to alarms quickly (reduce volume); do not drag chairs or close portholes loudly.
• Comfort: Mother's singing/speaking is soothing, but avoid musical toys over bassinets.

C. Olfactory & Gustatory

• Avoid pungent smells like alcohol wipes, strong perfumes, or oils near the infant.

D. Vestibular (Movement)

• Gently roll the infant during position changes (do not flip).
• Swaddle during transfers to prevent sudden movements.

E. Tactile (Touch)

• Type of Touch: Use "gentle yet firm" touch (containment). Avoid "feathery" stroking or tickling, which is irritating.
• Timing: Cluster medical interventions with daily care to reduce handling frequency.

4. Positioning and Handling

• Goal: Promote symmetric development and physiologic stability.
• Prone: Facilitates flexion and early head control. Legs should be weight-bearing on knees; hips flexed <90°.
• Supine: Good for visual skills but risks extension/arching. Needs support for knees/elbows to prevent abduction.
• Side-lying (Lateral): Ideal position (mimics womb). Minimizes hip abduction and allows hands near the mouth for self-regulation.
• Tools:
  • Nesting: Creating an oval boundary with sheets.
  • Swaddling: Wrapping to provide security and containment.

5. Protecting Skin

• Avoid using lotions and soaps.
• Protect skin during removal of adhesives/tapes.
• Prevent pressure sores and device-related injuries.

6. Optimizing Nutrition

• Goal: Feeding should be a positive, non-stressful experience.
• Practices:
  • Feed only when the infant is awake, not asleep.
  • Swaddle and support head/neck during spoon/paladai feeding.
  • Do not wake the infant by pinching or flicking soles/ears.
  • Avoid multitasking (singing/talking) during the feed to prevent distraction.
• Non-Nutritive Sucking (NNS): Using a pacifier/finger helps the infant self-regulate and stay calm during stress.

7. Partnering with Families (Family-Centered Care)

• Concept: The family is an active partner in decision-making and caregiving.
• Empowerment: Staff should treat families with respect, empowering them to perform daily activities (diapering, feeding).
• Communication: Families must feel safe expressing fears and concerns to the team.

3. KEY CARE PROCEDURES IN DSC

• Sponging: Use lukewarm water; clean head-to-toe; stop if stress signs appear.
• Massaging: Use oil for VLBW infants; use long, firm strokes; flex/extend limbs gently.
• Diaper Change: Clean front-to-back; flex legs towards abdomen (do not lift high by ankles).
• Containment: Holding the head and buttocks firmly to calm the baby during painful procedures.