Supporting Your Preemie’s Growth
Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy
The arrival of a premature baby brings immense joy but also unique challenges. Their tiny bodies are still developing and may require specialized care to reach their full potential. At Go Physical Therapy Children's Rehab Center, our team of pediatric therapists – physical therapists (PTs), occupational therapists (OTs), and speech therapists – works collaboratively to provide comprehensive support for your premature infant.
Understanding Premature Development
Premature babies are born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Their organs and systems may be underdeveloped, impacting their ability to feed, breathe, and regulate body temperature. Here at Go Physical Therapy Children's Rehab Center in Grand Island, Hastings, Kearney and Lincoln, NE, we understand that each preemie’s journey is unique.
Our Approach to Premature Infant Care:
- Comprehensive Evaluation: We begin with a thorough PT and/or OT/ST evaluation to assess your baby’s strengths, weaknesses, and developmental progress. This collaborative approach helps us create a personalized therapy plan addressing their needs.
- Physical Therapy: Our PTs specialize in helping premature babies develop gross motor skills like rolling, sitting, and eventually crawling. They may use gentle exercises and positioning techniques to promote muscle strength, coordination, and balance.
- Occupational Therapy: Our OTs focus on helping your baby develop fine motor skills like grasping and reaching. They may also work on sensory processing, which can be challenging for premature infants. This can involve activities that provide calming sensory input or help them tolerate different textures.
- Speech Therapy: Our speech therapy specialist will help, particularly if your baby experiences oral motor challenges that impact feeding. Speech therapy techniques can help improve coordination and muscle strength in the mouth and throat, promoting successful feeding.
Supporting Your Baby’s Development at Go Physical Therapy Children's Rehab Center
Kangaroo Care:
- We encourage skin-to-skin contact (kangaroo care) between you and your baby. This promotes bonding, regulates body temperature, and improves weight gain.
Feeding Therapy:
- Our therapists can provide guidance and support to establish and maintain breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, depending on your goals.
Developmental Support:
- Premature babies may reach milestones at a different pace. We work with you to track your baby’s progress and provide support and strategies to help them reach their full potential.
We Are Here for You
The journey with a premature baby can be filled with uncertainties. At Go Physical Therapy Children's Rehab Center in Grand Island, Hastings, Kearney and Lincoln, NE, we are dedicated to providing compassionate care and comprehensive therapy services to help your precious little one thrive. Call us today to learn more about how we can support your preemie’s growth and development!