I am Kate Whiting, Neonatal Occupational Therapist at the Royal United Hospital Bath. I start my day by attending the medical handover so that I can screen the infants that I will prioritise to see or discuss those babies that are likely to need more developmental support during their stay on the unit.  I will then attend the ward round, so that I can meet any new families on the unit and as it provides me with an opportunity to observe the babies and see how they are responding to the neonatal environment and interactions.  

I will spend time with families discussing co-occupations (every day activities) that are meaningful to them to complete on the unit with their baby such as skin to skin, mouth cares or nappy changes and I may complete a neurobehavioural assessment during one of these activities. This enables me to observe a baby's behavioural cues alongside parents which tell us how their infant is feeling and what they need, for example, to be repositioned more slowly, to have a hand hug or for us to speak with a quieter voice.  

I will talk to families about sensory development and how the neonatal environment and care giving activities can be adapted to support their baby's developing sensory system,  for example, I may support a family with wrapped weighing or wrapped bathing. I may advise on positioning that supports a baby to sleep and stay calm and positive touch experiences that parents can provide to their baby such as skin to skin, hand hugs and finger grasping.  

I can provide advice regarding development to families at any point during their stay on the unit and closer to discharge I will spend time advising on play and interactions that will continue to promote their baby's cognitive, sensory and motor-sensory skills on going home.  

I work closely with the Nurses, Therapists and Medical Team and after lunch I may provide training or work on educational packages I am providing to colleagues within neonates. I also spend time writing ongoing referrals, checking emails and providing handovers to staff.  

I will often return to the unit later in the afternoon to complete the Brazelton Newborn Behavioural Observations alongside a family. This set of observations looks at a baby's responses, behaviours and movements to help parents better understand what their baby likes or dislikes and how they can respond to this. It can support conversations regarding sleep, play and what their baby may need to help settle them. 

I really enjoy my role as a Neonatal OT as feel it supports parents to feel more confident in taking the lead with their baby's care, whilst supporting their baby developmentally during their journey through the Neonatal Unit and beyond.