How is OT relevant in neonatal care?
According to Inga Warren, an OT consultant in neonatology, premature babies are susceptible to a range of complex cognitive, motor, sensory, emotional and social problems. The role of the OT is to help facilitate the interaction between mother and baby which is so crucial at this stage and helping the baby in self-regulation. Intervention in the early months is important as it takes advantage of the neuroplasticity of the brain (Samuels, 2008). A search of the Midwives Journal from 2002 to date made no mention of Occupational therapy in the field of midwifery and surprisingly there were no articles on mothers with a disability. A discussion with a practicing midwife revealed that she has not come into contact with OTs during her career. However, she did say that for women who are hard of hearing, the dept. has a flashing light which indicates to the woman that her baby is crying. So it may be that an OT would be involved in arranging a device such as this or perhaps working alongside a
