Special Teaching Needs

Haberman bottle feeding

The Haberman feeder is designed for paced feeding. This feeder supports responsive, baby-led feeding and natural pausing. It helps to reduce gas, colic and reflux.

Home oxygen

Occasionally NICU babies are discharged home on low flow oxygen.

Tips from a Mom on What to expect and how to manage.

  • If your baby is on oxygen you can apply for a temporary disabled parking permit on the Government of Ontario Website
  • You can also investigate applying for the Disability Tax Credit and the Child Disability Benefit
  • Community Care Assess Center (CCAC) may be able to offer support or services
  • For a baby with multiple health issues you can investigate the Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities Program through the Ministry of Children and Youth Services. The application is long but it entitles you to monthly payments to help with the cost of equipment or transportation to appointments.
  • Telehealth Ontario (1-866-797-0000) is also a useful resource.

When Preparing and Organizing Your Home

  • Use the full 50 feet of extension tubing to allow you to move around your house
  • Change the extension tubing every 6 months
  • If you use an oxygen concentrator for low flow it produces a lot of heat so position it away from the wall.
  • For 2 story homes advocate for 2 concentrators (one upstairs and one downstairs)
  • Change nasal prongs weekly or when needed
  • Have back-up oxygen tanks on hand in case of a power failure
  • Nasogastric tube feeding at home

Some babies in the NICU may be stable enough to go home except they are still having problems with orally feeding. One solution is to send the baby home on tube feeds. This requires the parents to have special teaching so they know how to do the feeds at home and can reinsert the tube if it comes out.