Case Example

Louisa’s first baby, Alex is 5 months old and has been in hospital since birth. He has extremely low tone and poor head control. In addition, he has limited vision and some anomalies with his gastrointestinal system. In team meeting, nursing staff raise concerns about Louisa’s attachment with Alex and comment that she never picks him up but tends to sit by the bed and insert a pacifier when he cries. She is also frequently absent. You have noticed this also but believe her reticence may be related to confidence with handling this very complex infant. You suggest some positive touch ideas for Louise and gradually introduce some supportive holds while asking her about Alex’s responses. You liaise with physiotherapy about these ideas and suggest a combined treatment session. You also organise music therapy. Over the following days, Louisa uses strategies introduced by the multidisciplinary team and becomes more confident with Alex. She responds to his crying using more touch, singing and talking. As a result Alex is generally more settled, is putting on more weight and coping with his physiotherapy sessions better.