A Physiotherapist’s Journey in the Neonatal ICU

In the Neonatal ICU (NICU), the resilience of tiny humans truly shines! I call them my little fighters. As a physiotherapist working in this setting, I have the privilege of helping the most vulnerable among us: tiny premature babies. My journey with these tiny babies starts very early on in their lives and continues once they graduate from the NICU to home. 

My work in the NICU focuses on supporting these infants in their physical development, helping them build strength, and guiding them toward crucial developmental milestones. My day-to-day is centred around stimulating the environment of mom’s tummy, in the outside world. In the NICU, progress is measured in tiny triumphs that may seem subtle but are truly monumental. 

The NICU is a team-centred environment, I work alongside the nurses, doctors, and family members. We involve parents as much as possible, teaching them positioning techniques and gentle exercises they can continue outside of our sessions. Seeing parents connect and bond with their child through these exercises is incredibly rewarding—it is empowering, and it provides comfort to their baby as well.

We have worked with little ones born so small at 25 weeks, with a birth weight just over 500 grams, yes, just bigger than a block of butter, who are now running around absolutely thriving in their world! The NICU environment is one of profound hope and relentless determination, and as a physiotherapist, I feel honoured to play a role in supporting these babies through their early life journey.