Ch. 1. Introduction -- Ch. 2. Methods -- Ch. 3. The Visual System -- Ch. 4. The Auditory System -- Ch. 5. The Somatosensory System -- Ch. 6. Neuromotor Development -- Ch. 7. Conclusion -- Appendix A: Relationships between Fetal Brain Development, Behavioural Organization of the Environment -- Appendix B: Protocol for Developmental Care of the Premature Infant.

Although advances in the technical care of neonates have enabled smaller premature babies to survive, neurodevelopmental sequelae continue to be a major source of morbidity partly due to the stressful environment of the intensive care unit. Using a neurodevelopmental systems framework, this book critically analyses the recent literature on developments in supportive care for preterm babies, and identifies nursing care issues including handling, massage, positioning, noise and lighting - all of which have been shown to affect development. The book also provides a developmental care protocol for nursing preterm infants from which individualized care plans be developed in response to behavioural cues, response to environmental stimuli, and caregiving interventions.