The psychologist's action in neonatal unit: Experience report at hospital da mulher Prof. Dr. Aristodemo Pinotti – CAISM/UNICAMP

Abstract

The technical progress found in an Intensive Neonatal Care Unit enables the survival and admission of babies with severe diseases, extreme premature babies and malformations. In this context, the psychological attention to parents is extremely important, once this period is perceived by them as a moment of crisis, distress and intense emotional experiences, which may generate disorder and psychic suffering. Therefore, this work purpose is to describe and share the psychology's action at the CAISM/UNICAMP's Neonatology unit. The parents’ attention services are performed individually and/or in a group, oriented to the emotional support and help on the approximation process, as well as construction of affective bond between them and the baby. They are attended from the baby's admission at the unit, or before, in the pregnancy period, when the prematurity or admission risks are significant. The siblings' visit is stimulated and followed up through brief assessment before and after their entrance at the unit. In case of neonatal death, the psychologist acts on welcoming, enabling the expression of feelings, ensuring a moment of privacy and farewell to the baby. Since 2014, psychology has been gaining an action space at the unit promoting the possibility of listening and support, minimizing damage and possible traumas to the families. The psychologist's action at INCU is essential for parents to be able to develop feelings and experiences on the period, in addition to maximize the bond between parents/babies and the communication between parents/team.