Join us at 2:00pm EST on Sunday, September 4th! Our theme this month is "Creating Positive NICU Experiences." Our guest will be Katie Ross, certified neonatal occupational therapist. Katie works at a Level IV NICU, where she is passionate about creating and supporting positive experiences between caregivers and their new babies. As always, everyone from the omphalocele community is welcome (experienced parents with older O babies, pregnant mothers or expectant family members, grandparents, friends, adult omphalocele survivors) and you are all an important part of our group!
"Katie Ross, OTD, OTR/L, NTMTC, CNT is a certified neonatal occupational therapist with a doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy from Washington University. She practices at a large children's hospital in a 100+ bed, level IV neonatal intensive care unit, where she is dedicated to supporting positive NICU experiences and building confidence among NICU caregivers.
Katie holds additional certifications in neonatal touch and massage, as well as lactation. From publishing research on developmental therapies, to speaking at the national and international levels, she is passionate about NICU families & neonatal care.
As a neonatal occupational therapist, one of the most common questions is, “What does a therapist do with babies?”. It’s an amazing question! The role of occupational therapy in the NICU is specialized, and we bring a unique perspective to the medical environment. As a NICU occupational therapist, I collaborate with families and babies to promote positive developmental outcomes and experiences during NICU hospitalization.
I want families with infants diagnosed with omphaloceles to know they can support their baby in a lot of different ways. No matter their current medical status or tolerance levels. They CAN parent in the NICU space. They can comfort their baby. They can learn their baby’s cues and advocate for what their baby needs.
From learning how to diaper or dress their baby, to buckling them in a specialty car seat, OTs (Occupational Therapists) bring a unique perspective to their baby’s journey.
I want their baby to thrive at discharge, but I also want to focus on helping them build a foundation so their baby can participate and engage in life at 3, 6, and 10+ years after discharge.
I want to create a safe and inviting space for families of infants with omphaloceles to ask questions and grow confident interacting and parenting their baby.
To feel truly confident in their role, and know how important they are for their baby. To know that, not only do they have an irreplaceable role in their baby’s day, but they can have the tools to feel confident and capable in the NICU."