How can NICU clinicians support parent education and empowerment to improve discharge outcomes?
Answer
Discharge planning in the NICU should begin as early as possible, with a strong emphasis on educating and empowering parents well before their baby is ready to go home. A core focus of early education is cue-based feeding—helping parents learn to recognize their infant’s signals and respond appropriately to feeding needs. This approach supports bonding, encourages developmental progression, and builds parental confidence in their ability to care for their infant independently. By integrating these skills into daily care routines throughout the NICU stay, families are better prepared for the transition home and less likely to feel overwhelmed during the final days before discharge.
This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course,SLP in the NICU: An Overview, presented by Anna Manilla, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC.
Anna Manilla, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC
Anna is a Senior Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist and Certified Lactation Consultant with specialized experience in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. She plays a key role in mentoring graduate students, training new clinicians, and leading initiatives that expand SLP services to better support infants and their families. Anna is dedicated to delivering high-quality, compassionate care and advocating for the unique needs of medically fragile infants.
Related Courses
1https://www.speechpathology.com/slp-ceus/course/slp-in-nicu-overview-11267SLP in the NICU: An OverviewThis course provides an introductory overview of Speech-Language Pathology services in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), including the unique environment, the SLP’s role, and key components of neonatal care. Topics include cue-based and supportive feeding strategies, instrumental assessments, and approaches for empowering and supporting parents and caregivers.auditory, textual, visual129USDSubscriptionUnlimited COURSE Access for $129/yearOnlineOnlySpeechPathology.comwww.speechpathology.comSLP in the NICU: An OverviewThis course provides an introductory overview of Speech-Language Pathology services in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), including the unique environment, the SLP’s role, and key components of neonatal care. Topics include cue-based and supportive feeding strategies, instrumental assessments, and approaches for empowering and supporting parents and caregivers.11267OnlinePT60M
This course provides an introductory overview of Speech-Language Pathology services in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), including the unique environment, the SLP’s role, and key components of neonatal care. Topics include cue-based and supportive feeding strategies, instrumental assessments, and approaches for empowering and supporting parents and caregivers.
2https://www.speechpathology.com/slp-ceus/course/20q-in-thick-it-international-1075620Q: In the Thick of It - The International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI)The importance of using IDSSI to provide standardized language when speaking about texture modification is discussed in this course. Comparisons of IDDSI and the National Dysphagia Diet (NDD), as well as IDDSI standards for pediatric vs. adult patients are presented. Additionally, potential barriers, solutions, and frequently asked questions related to implementation of IDDSI are described.textual, visual129USDSubscriptionUnlimited COURSE Access for $129/yearOnlineOnlySpeechPathology.comwww.speechpathology.com20Q: In the Thick of It - The International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI)The importance of using IDSSI to provide standardized language when speaking about texture modification is discussed in this course. Comparisons of IDDSI and the National Dysphagia Diet (NDD), as well as IDDSI standards for pediatric vs. adult patients are presented. Additionally, potential barriers, solutions, and frequently asked questions related to implementation of IDDSI are described.10756OnlinePT60M
The importance of using IDSSI to provide standardized language when speaking about texture modification is discussed in this course. Comparisons of IDDSI and the National Dysphagia Diet (NDD), as well as IDDSI standards for pediatric vs. adult patients are presented. Additionally, potential barriers, solutions, and frequently asked questions related to implementation of IDDSI are described.
3https://www.speechpathology.com/slp-ceus/course/building-feeding-program-in-nicu-11279Developing Feeding Programs: How to Positively Impact the SLP WorldSpeech-language pathologists wear many hats, and preparation for entering specialized areas can be challenging. During clinical practicums and graduate coursework, SLPs search for areas of interest. The area of infant and pediatric feeding and swallowing presents unique navigation challenges. This course discusses aspects and challenges of becoming a feeding therapist and reviews the details of building successful infant and pediatric feeding programs in different settings.auditory, textual, visual129USDSubscriptionUnlimited COURSE Access for $129/yearOnlineOnlySpeechPathology.comwww.speechpathology.comDeveloping Feeding Programs: How to Positively Impact the SLP WorldSpeech-language pathologists wear many hats, and preparation for entering specialized areas can be challenging. During clinical practicums and graduate coursework, SLPs search for areas of interest. The area of infant and pediatric feeding and swallowing presents unique navigation challenges. This course discusses aspects and challenges of becoming a feeding therapist and reviews the details of building successful infant and pediatric feeding programs in different settings.11279OnlinePT60M
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4https://www.speechpathology.com/slp-ceus/course/feeding-development-what-is-typical-10520Feeding Development: What is Typical?An introduction to multiple factors - including relationships - associated with feeding development, as well as a review of typical milestones, are provided in this course. An overview of conditions that can disrupt the normal developmental process is also presented.auditory, textual, visual129USDSubscriptionUnlimited COURSE Access for $129/yearOnlineOnlySpeechPathology.comwww.speechpathology.comFeeding Development: What is Typical?An introduction to multiple factors - including relationships - associated with feeding development, as well as a review of typical milestones, are provided in this course. An overview of conditions that can disrupt the normal developmental process is also presented.10520OnlinePT60M
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5https://www.speechpathology.com/slp-ceus/course/iddsi-framework-part-1-11290IDDSI Framework: Part 1This course reviews the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) framework for liquids and solids, with an emphasis on identifying appropriate and inappropriate foods for each level. Testing methods for each level, including the application of the IDDSI funnel, will also be explained.auditory, textual, visual129USDSubscriptionUnlimited COURSE Access for $129/yearOnlineOnlySpeechPathology.comwww.speechpathology.comIDDSI Framework: Part 1This course reviews the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) framework for liquids and solids, with an emphasis on identifying appropriate and inappropriate foods for each level. Testing methods for each level, including the application of the IDDSI funnel, will also be explained.11290OnlinePT60M
This course reviews the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) framework for liquids and solids, with an emphasis on identifying appropriate and inappropriate foods for each level. Testing methods for each level, including the application of the IDDSI funnel, will also be explained.
