DEVELOPMENTAL CARE OF THE NEWBORN

Course overview

Developmental care (DC) of the newborn involves reading and responding (e.g., holding the infant, gently touching, placing the infant in fetal position) to an infant¿s behavior in an effort to identify its needs. DC also involves altering the environment (e.g., decreasing light and noise levels) to decrease stimulation and limit exposure to stimuli that are greater than the developmental level that the infant¿s premature brain can tolerate. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of DC of the newborn, its goals, benefits, and programs based on DC, and to aid in caring for newborn infants. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.