HUG Your Baby Website
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New Certified HUG Teacher Brings Her Expertise to the Care of Late Preterm Infants and their Families



Rachael Helms is a nurse and lactation consultant with Novant Health in North Carolina. We are excited that she is leading a pilot project to incorporate HUG Your Baby's training and resources about the Late Preterm Infant into her care of these babies and their families. 

 As I recount my experiences with the utilization of HUG your baby techniques, I wish to convey the profound impact these skills have had on enhancing my assessment skills as both a nurse and lactation consultant. On one occasion, upon entering the room of a baby born at 36 weeks gestational age, weighing 6 pounds and 1 ounce, I shared the information of infant zones and insights gained from the Late Preterm Course with the parents. After engaging, listening and educating the parents. I determined that this particular infant required further medical attention. 

 The parents shared concerns regarding their 40-hour-old baby's difficulty in waking for feeds and apparent prolonged deep sleep stages. Moreover, due to the family's dark skin tone, assessing jaundice in the child presented challenges. Subsequently, after relaying these observations to the attending nurse and neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP), a bilirubin check was conducted, confirming the necessity for treatment due to hyperbilirubinemia. 

 Through the educational framework of HUG Your baby, emphasizing "Engage, Empower, and Educate," and utilizing infant zone concepts, the parents were empowered to articulate their apprehensions effectively. This instance underscores one of the numerous occasions where HUG your baby educational materials have not only enhanced my work but also empowered parents in nurturing their infants. I express my gratitude for this invaluable resource. Thank you!