Webinar: Supporting NICU Families Through a Trauma-Informed Lens

November is Prematurity Awareness Month, a time to focus on the prevention and treatment of preterm births around the world. In 2023, nearly 374,000 babies in the U.S. were born prematurely, representing about one in every 10 live births.

The Welcome Baby program‘s Hospital Liaisons see patients right after they have given birth. For families with babies in the NICU, HL’s can provide support and resources. This is crucial, as families may face significant stress and emotional challenges while their newborns receive critical care.

On November 14, 2024, LA Best Babies Network hosted a webinar for HL’s and other staff in our network of home visiting organizations and Welcome Baby hospitals. Topics covered by nurse practitioner Kristin Ayuste included:

• Challenges families may face in the NICU
• Trauma-informed care — key principles and the approach
• Common traumatic events in the NICU
• Signs of trauma and how to respond to it
• Effective communication strategies

Kristin, whose twin boys spent one month in the NICU, has firsthand experience with some of the challenges families in the NICU face. These include emotional stress related to being separated from the baby, medical uncertainties, and financial concerns.

How to practice trauma-informed care in the NICU setting:

• Emphasize physical safety to families:
  • Show that staff members are skilled and qualified to care for the baby
• Display trustworthiness and transparency
  • Be open and honest with families
  • Encourage questions from families
• Stress collaboration and mutuality
  • Work with families as partners
  • Understand family structure and dynamics
• Empower families
  • Validate family’s feelings
  • Encourage all parents to participate in caregiving tasks
  • Encourage parents to be involved in decision-making

Watch the webinar recording here, and don’t miss the links to related resources below:

About the presenter:

Kristin Ayuste is a dedicated mother of four children, including very energetic 5-year-old identical twin boys who spent one month in the NICU. A board-certified family nurse practitioner, she finds her greatest joy in teaching others how to care for themselves, empowering patients to lead healthier lives. Growing up in Los Angeles, she has deep roots in the community and a passion for supporting families through challenging times.

Inspired by her own experience in the NICU, she founded a nonprofit organization called Tiny Little Treasures, which aims at helping families navigate their NICU journeys. Through this initiative, she provides resources, support, and advocacy for those facing similar challenges. With a unique blend of professional expertise and personal experience, Kristin is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of others in her community.

Related resources:

• Presentation slides
• Tiny Little Treasures
• NICU Families Support Groups (Stronger Families Blog)
• NICU Webinars (Stronger Families Blog)
• Welcome Baby Book (chapter 3: NICU) (Spanish)
• LA Best Babies Parenting Resource Library (English) (Spanish)