Background:

"J" was born prematurely at 27 weeks. She remained in intensive care for 2 months. "J" is fed by a naso-gastric tube and requires suctioning at times.

Mum has another child aged two. She feels unable to cope with both children on her own and is daunted by the thought of dealing with the more medical side of care her daughter requires.

Solution:

Following a home visit, SNAP identified a special needs nanny experienced with young babies and tube-feeding. The community health nurse provides the nanny with training specific to the little girl's needs.

The nanny is able to establish a routine for both children, allowing mum 1-1 time with each child. She also guides mum on the tube-feeding, suctioning & medicine administration. The nanny is involved with all aspects of care related to the children; she assists with the children's laundry, meal preparation etc. She sets up play dates for the toddler, assists with the arrangement of hospital/doctor visits for the baby.

When the baby is older, it is possible for her to feed orally. The nanny assists with this, liaising with a dietician and speech and language therapist. The process is quite slow as the baby has some psychological difficulties transferring to orally feeding. A psychologist is brought in to advise and both mum and the nanny continue the recommended processes as directed.

The nanny is employed on a permanent basis. It is a daily position - Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm, with one hour lunch break. The nanny also babysits one night a week to allow the parents to so spend some social time together.