Date of Award

2026

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Dr. McKenzie Marquart

Abstract

Introduction: Families in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) experience challenges that influence quality of life, occupational balance, and participation in meaningful activities, limiting their ability to nurture their infants. Currently, occupational therapists in the NICU focus on observable infant occupations including oral feeding, holding, and social interaction. Occupational therapy can support families by promoting engagement in meaningful cooccupations, encouraging balanced routines and roles, providing caregiver education, and adapting tasks or environments to meet family needs.

Methodology: A literature review was conducted prior to arrival on site to understand the needs of parents in the NICU. After the arrival on site expert opinions, observations, and collaboration with occupational therapists and other healthcare providers were analyzed to understand how well-being and balance for parents was currently addressed. Utilizing this information, a product was developed to address the gaps.

Results: The results of the literature review and needs assessment guided the development of an educational session and parent toolkit, “Growing Together: Supporting Your Baby and Your Well-Being.” The educational session consists of a PowerPoint presentation and previously used facility handouts, as well as handouts created to fit the topics. The occupational therapists at the facility will present the topics to parents using the “Educational Session Facilitator Guide.” More specifically the product contains information on corrected versus chronological age, development in the NICU, baby’s head shape, reading your baby’s cues, and infant-driven feeding. The toolkit will be provided at the end of the session and will include tools to support well-being and balance, including emotions, coping tools, balance, sleep during NICU stays, and engaging in co-occupations.

Conclusion & Significance: This product will serve as a resource for occupational therapy practitioners in the NICU. It will also help to close the gap between research and practical application to expand parents performance range in their caregiving role by promoting parent well-being and balance. When parents have increased well-being and balance, this also directly correlates with the infant’s health.

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