WINTER 2014 Follow-Up Clinic News Latest News Women & Infants Unveils New England’s First March of Dimes® NICU Family Support Bright Space® for Siblings a special place to gather, relax and have fun. In addition to providing a gathering place for families, the Bright Space at Women & Infants will offer hope and inspiration. It will have vintage toys and art work, a library, interactive and developmentally appropriate toys, and an art cart. The March of Dimes chose Women & Infants Hospital as one of the eight Bright Space for NICU Siblings sites in the US because of their longstanding relationship. March of Dimes NICU Family Support was established at Women & Infants in 2002. It is built on a family-centered philosophy and addresses the needs of parents, siblings and extended family throughout the baby’s hospitalization, during the transition home, and in the event of a newborn death. Families of babies being seen in the Neonatal Follow-Up Clinic now have an educational and developmentally appropriate space to promote self-healing through play, thanks to an innovative partnership with the March of Dimes and the Bright Horizons Foundation for Children. This Bright Space for NICU Siblings is the first to open in a developmental follow-up clinic in the U.S. in partnership with the March of Dimes. Bright Space®, the signature program of the Bright Horizons Foundation for Children, creates warm, enriching playrooms in organizations that give children and families Adults pictured from left to right are: Nichole Aguiar, March of Dimes Rhode Island; Dr. Edward McCabe, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, March of Dimes National Office; Dr. Betty Vohr, Medical Director, Neonatal Follow-Up Clinic, Women & Infants Hospital; Mary Ann Tocio, Chief Operating Officer, Bright Horizons Family Solutions; Jennifer Cardullo, Neonatal Follow-Up Clinic, Women & Infants Hospital; and Andrea Halbrook, Neonatal Follow-Up Clinic, Women & Infants Hospital. They are pictured with Isabella, Katie and Sophia Silva – Katie spent three weeks in the Carter Family Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Women & Infants Hospital in August 2009 Health and Wellness If you and your family have a tendency to skip breakfast, you are not alone. Surveys show that fewer people are eating breakfast, even though research tells us that breakfast is often the most important meal of the day. When waking up from a good night’s rest, your child has gone 10 to 14 hours without eating. Sending a child off to school or child care may allow another three or four hours to pass before a snack or a lunch. This extended period of hunger can affect Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island A Care New England Hospital A Major Teaching Affiliate of The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University 101 Dudley Street Providence, Rhode Island 02905-2449 401-274-1100 womenandinfants.org Staff Spotlight your child’s well-being. Headaches, fatigue, sleepiness, restlessness, and stomach problems are common complaints. Studies also show that skipping breakfast may result in poor verbal fluency, and memory can be affected. Without breakfast, your child may also be more likely to have discipline or behavioral problems. Breakfast should contain about one quarter of your child’s total daily calories. For a quick, easy and satisfying breakfast, mix yogurt with granola or dry cereal; top with fresh fruit and sliced almonds; or top with raisins, nuts, and honey. Or try warming a frozen pancake, spread with peanut butter, top with raisins and/or bananas, roll up and go! Dr. Betty Vohr, MD, has been the director of Women & Infants Hospital’s Neonatal Follow-up Clinic since its inception in 1974 and medical director of the Rhode Island Hearing Assessment Program since 1990. She has dedicated her career to improving the long-term outcomes of high-risk premature infants and infants with hearing loss. In her spare time, Dr. Vohr enjoys swimming, boating and traveling, as well as indulging in some of her favorite foods, lobster and strawberries. 쐗 Patient Corner This year there were a total of 203 attendees, including 59 NICU graduates who enjoyed guest appearances by Spiderman, Hello Kitty and Elmo. Clinic staff painted faces and ran arts and craft stations, while families enjoyed a variety of snacks, cake and ice cream. The main event of the day was the “Preschool Palooza” magic show by Lon Cerel. The party was a great success, and the festivities were enjoyed by staff and families alike. “All of the children appeared to be very happy and healthy. One would never know that it was a gathering for preemies. ” Jeff Richardson On Sunday, September 22nd, the Follow-Up Clinic staff hosted the Annual NICU Graduates Party. Each year, the clinic invites the families of all four-year-old former NICU babies who weighed less than 1250 grams at birth. In addition, all babies who were part of special programs run within the clinic are also invited. Did you know? Upcoming Events NICU Family Advisory Council Meeting Friday, March 7th Time: 6:30 pm Location: Women & Infants Hospital South Pavilion Malcolm and Elizabeth Chace Education Center The Family Advisory Council is a partnership between NICU parents and staff who are passionate and committed to supporting NICU babies and their families. If you would like further information or would like to apply to be on the council, please contact Jennifer Silva at 401-274-1122, ext. 42228. Famous premature babies include: Albert Einstein Charles Darwin Napoleon Bonaparte Mark Twain ? Sir Winston Churchill Stevie Wonder Pablo Picasso ? Sir Isaac Newton ? Partnering with Parents Community Partners Workshop Monday, June 30th Time: 8 am Location: Women & Infants Hospital South Pavilion Malcolm and Elizabeth Chace Education Center Save the date. This bi-annual gathering of community partners will focus on the experience of fathers in the Women & Infants’ Neonatal NICU journey and beyond. For further information Follow-Up Clinic please contact Amanda Lewis at [email protected]. Each month we will feature important information regarding your child’s health and the services provided by our clinic, as well as fun facts and tips. We will also spotlight a staff member and feature a child in the Patient Corner. If you would like your child’s story to be considered, please email Jennifer Silva at [email protected]. 134 Thurbers Avenue, Suite 215 Providence, RI 02905 (401) 453-7750 womenandinfants.org