Definition:
Occupational therapy (OT) helps people of all ages to develop life skills. In the NICU, an occupational therapist works with staff and infants and their families to promote good motor development. Some ways an occupational therapist may work with premature babies include:
- Helping infants learn to breastfeed or drink from a bottle
- Helping parents position very small infants in a car seat
- Performing infant massage
- Promoting good muscle development through careful infant positioning
- Encouraging good sensory development through appropriate stimulation
Also Known As: OT
