The Incubator #044 - Dr. Monica Arroyo MD - Neonatal neurology, consulting in the NICU, and life after loss.
Feb 20, 2022
Dr. Monica Arroyo is an Attending Neonatal Neurologist at Joe di Maggio Children’s Hospital, dedicated to improving NICU experiences for families facing neonatal brain injuries. She discusses the essential role of compassionate communication in delivering complex news and the importance of parental involvement in care. Dr. Arroyo shares her insights on supporting families with children who have complex medical needs and emphasizes the unique challenges mothers face, advocating for the inclusion of fathers in counseling sessions. Her personal journey adds depth to the conversation.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Parental Involvement Improves Outcomes
- Parents present at bedside and involved tend to achieve better infant outcomes.
- Their unique knowledge of their baby aids development in ways medical staff cannot replicate.
Personal NICU Loss Shapes Care
- Dr. Monica Arroyo shared her personal loss of her premature son in the NICU.
- This experience deeply influences her compassionate care and communication with families.
Effective Family Communication Tips
- Have difficult family conversations privately, calmly, and with gentle prognostic language.
- Balance honesty with hope by encouraging parents to engage in enriching activities for the baby.