In January, Albuquerque, N.M.-based Presbyterian Healthcare Services launched a virtual bonding program for new mothers and babies admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit, according to an article published in the Albuquerque Journal.
The program makes use of internet technologies like Skype to allow families to conduct virtual visits to the NICU. The connection can be made via tablets, iPhone and Android devices.
"It was the first time I could communicate with my baby and it seemed bizarre that at this very intimate moment there were all these other people involved — nurses and people holding cameras — but it was fantastic. It was amazing," said Stephanie Downs, remarking on her experience with the program after her newborn was admitted to the NICU at Presbyterian Hospital, according to the article.
"When I could communicate with the nurse and have her explain what all [the] numbers meant and why they have lights, and IVs and what they were doing for her, I went from being completely terrified to feeling so confident in her care," she continued. "It was only a 30-minute call but it meant the world. It was like this weight had been lifted."
To read the full Albuquerque Journal article, click here.
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