To create the best possible environment for premature infants, the NICU takes part in the Wee Care® Program created by Children's Medical Ventures. The program is based on emerging evidence that the central nervous system of a premature infant continues to develop after birth and that the environment can make a significant impact on how well that development occurs.

Wee Care® supplements the delivery of medical care by providing a uterine-like environment and ensuring proper positioning and handling of each infant. Low lighting, limited sounds, and other environmental factors are carefully managed. Special developmental aids, including small snugglies that position babies in the proper fetal position, special pillows and diapers help the NICU to recreate how the baby is positioned in the womb and reduce the stress of the hospital setting. Special staff training on techniques for handling and feeding and parent education adds to the baby's peaceful sense of security. The environment combined with staff education and special developmental aids ensure that each baby is comfortable and able to sleep soundly to allow proper development.

The national program has helped thousands of infants. Studies have shown benefits that include:

• Significantly improved development


• Increased weight gain


• Shorter hospital stays


• Shorter duration of ventilation and oxygen needs


• Faster ability to breastfeed


• Less need for sedation and medication


• Improved interaction with parents

The Wee Care® program is funded by philanthropic community donations to Sutter Medical Center Foundation.

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