Trauma Informed Care in Clinical Infant Oral Assessment: Understanding Body Autonomy
- Duration: 60 Mins
- Credits: 1 CERP, 1 L-CERP, 0.1 Midwifery CEU, 1 ACM CPD Hours, 1 ACNM
- Handout: Yes
Abstract:
The Mouth, nasal passages, ears, eyes, digestive & reproductive organ systems are all orifices or openings in our body and define as our most intimate parts of our body and hold the precincts of Body Autonomy. Since a physical examination of various kinds are a requirement for assessment & evaluation in clinical care, it provides us with an opportunity to establish trust and reinforce a safe encounter between a care provider and infant patient. Anyone especially an infant going through a physical examination maybe at risk to be experiencing shame, vulnerability & trauma which can have lifelong impacts such as triggers for past memories, anxiety, distress or discomfort or even PTSD. Immediately after the trauma, this can lead to oral aversions symptoms complete with refusal to latch & breastfeed, turning away from food, gagging. coughing & choking. Oral aversion situations pose an extremely stressful situation for all — the infant and the family and the care providers. Therefore, a respectable trauma-informed approach to the physical oral examination during the assessment, evaluation and treatment and rehabilitation of oral restrictions or ankylofrenulae (tongue tie) is essential and important. This will involve using gentle communication skills both verbal and nonverbal language and maneuvers to communicate respect of body autonomy and restore a sense of safety, trust & connection.
Learning Objectives:
Objective 1: Define body autonomy & trauma.
Objective 2: Describe key principles of performing a physical oral examination & assessment within the framework of body autonomy to infants, particularly those with a history of birth trauma.
Objective 3: Explain trauma-informed gentle communication skills both verbal and nonverbal language and maneuvers to communicate respect of body’s autonomy in order to restore a sense of safety, trust & connection during the clinical oral examination of infants.
