Pediatric Occupational Therapist (OT)
While in the Newborn/Infant Intensive Care Unit (N/IICU), your baby may receive occupational therapy from a pediatric occupational therapist (OT).
What does a pediatric occupational therapist do in the N/IICU?
Pediatric OTs who work in the N/IICU have been specially trained to help your baby participate in his “occupations”, which are bonding with a caregiver, receiving his care (such as diaper changes), and exploring his environment and play. OTs will help you bond with your baby and help develop skills that will lay the groundwork for achieving future developmental milestones.
Pediatric OTs will let your child take the lead as they progress through his or her OT program. Their priority is to teach you as the parent so you can help your baby be comfortable and support his or her development.
While your baby is in the hospital, an OT will work with your baby with these goals in mind:
- Help your baby bring his hands together so he can hold a bottle and toy, and later on, clap for his friends.
- Help your baby enjoy taking a bath which can be part of her bedtime routine when she is at home.
- Help your baby reach for his feet now, which will allow him to take off his socks later.
- Help your baby use her eyes to follow movement, your face or a mobile, which is an important skill in learning to read.
How can a pediatric occupational therapist help me support my baby?
Some of the things OTs can teach you how to do include:
- Positioning your baby so he or she is comfortable.
- Recognizing signs of stress and ways to move and interact with your baby that are not stressful for him or her.
- Teaching you infant massage to use with your baby. This will teach your baby positive touch and support bonding.
- Helping you to know when your baby is ready for touch, movement and visual stimulation.
- Helping you to know when your baby is ready for toys and positioning equipment.
- Strengthening your baby’s arms, legs and body to be able to move freely.
Qualifications of a pediatric occupational therapist
An OT has a college degree in occupational therapy, has passed supervised internships, a national certification examination and state licensure requirements.
An OT in the N/IICU has many years of experience working with babies and children. Some may have specialty certifications to perform assessments, such as the NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scales, and all are certified infant massage instructors.
OTs apply research and proven techniques with the goal of helping each child to move and participate as best he or she can. OTs keep current on the latest learning to provide the best care for your child.
For more information, see occupational therapy.
Frequently asked questions
How often will an OT see my baby?
This is different for each baby. OTs evaluate your baby, determine his current needs and create a plan to best meet those needs.
How will I know about my baby’s progress in occupational therapy if I am not at the hospital during occupational therapy sessions?
Your OT will ask you about the best way to update you about your child’s progress when you are not at the hospital and cannot participate in sessions. Communication may be by phone, email, a journal or through your child’s nurse.
Will my child continue occupational therapy after he leaves the hospital?
Your OT will help to create a plan to continue services — as needed — once your child leaves the hospital.
Meet our team
OT Team Leader in the N/IICU
OT Staff
Lydia Rawlins, MEd, OTR/L
Sally Schneider, MS, OTR/L
Contact us
As a partner on your child’s healthcare team, feel free to contact Janette Milano, OTR/L, at 215-287-1630 or email her at Milano@email.chop.edu.
Updated April 2012
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