Expanding video technology connects parents with their infants in the NICU
It’s never easy for parents when a newborn needs care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). But it’s even more difficult when families have to balance the medical needs of their new baby with jobs and childcare for other kids.
Just ask Brett and Chelsea Beiermann, whose daughter Ava is currently receiving care in the NICU at M Health Fairview’s Masonic Children’s Hospital. “We have an 18-month-old at home, so between my wife and I, at least one of us has to leave the NICU to be with him,” said Brett.
Babies in our NICU are often born premature or have other serious health issues that may require weeks or even months of specialized care. Often, parents like the Beiermanns must return to work, attend to family, or take care of other obligations, leaving their newborns in the hospital.
Fortunately, families with newborns in our NICU have a way to stay connected: 67 iPads equipped with video conferencing technology. The devices, set up by NICU bedsides, allow families to stay connected with their newborns 24 hours a day.
Parents download the software onto any video-capable device, while the iPad hovers over the baby in the NICU and serves as the camera. Additionally, doctors can display X-rays, ultrasounds, and other charts on the screens so parents can stay involved in their children’s medical care.
The technology is also beneficial for parents who are breastfeeding.
“There’s actually science showing that if a mom sees a picture of her baby, her body may let down more milk,” explained Mark Spitzack, who is the coordinator of perinatal & pediatric support projects at M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital.
The iPad program was funded by generous gifts from Cornerstone Parking Group Inc. and Transportation Club of Minneapolis and St. Paul, along with support from The Carly May Foundation.
Even while apart, the technology has allowed the Beiermanns to still have special moments, such as having the video of Ava at the table with them during family dinners.
“The video of Ava gives my wife and Ava’s grandma peace of mind that she’s being well-taken care of,” said Brett. “Having video of our daughter is a wonderful personal touch that makes her stay in the NICU a little less hard, and it means a lot to us.”
