56 Premature babies spend a significant amount of time in the NICU after they are born. Developmentally supportive care (DSC) is provided to minimize the gap between the mother’s womb and the NICU environment so that the baby’s neurodevelopment is not affected. DSC comprises some core elements that aim to optimize healing and growth in premature babies by minimizing stress and increasing the period of resting. These five core elements include: • Providing an ideal NICU environment • Sound or protected sleep • Assessment and appropriate management of stress and pain • Providing family-centered care • Developing infant care practices or activities The advancements in medical sciences and neonatal care have significantly improved the survival of premature babies. Neonatal care is now focused on "intact survival". 6. From Just Survival to Intact Survival
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