NICU Children's Therapy Services

Bonding, Feeding, Motor Skills: Fragile Babies Benefit from Early Intervention by Neonatal Therapists 

Premature babies struggle with circumstances that may impact the development of their feeding, motor, sensory and attachment systems. While in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), they are cared for by a dedicated team of professionals—at Valley Medical Center that team includes therapists provided by Mary Bridge Children's Hospital. 

Occupational therapists, physical therapists and speech language pathologists work in our NICU five days a week, collaborating with medical staff and nurses to provide evaluation and treatment of these fragile babies. Therapists work to facilitate feeding development, promote optimal positioning, promote motor development, regulate arousal level, and assist parents in bonding with their new babies.

Our therapy staff also works to connect babies and their families to our NICU follow-up clinic for continued care after discharge. Early intervention and work with therapy staff is key to promoting overall development and outcomes for these infants.