Infant and family centred developmental care (IFCDC) is a framework for neonatal care that integrates neurodevelopment, neuro-behaviour, parent-infant interaction, parental involvement, breastfeeding promotion, environmental adaptation, and change of hospital systems

IFCDC core principles focus on:

• Sensitive care based on infant behavioural communication and cues, which gives the infant a voice
• Benefits for brain growth (and neuroprotection)
• Parent engagement, which supports parental well-being and infant development
• Customised adaptations of the NICU environment and hospital system as a whole

Other benefits from implementing IFCDC include supporting neonates’ weight gain, using the principles named above. Effective implementation of IFCDC depends on integrated family support and a well-trained, supported neonatal workforce. Consistent education, reflective practice, and supervision enable staff to provide high-quality developmental and relational care alongside medical treatment.

Our IFCDC network team includes all AHPPP’s, Care-coordinators, Educators and Parents and Family Engagement lead. We share a vision for all staff and parent resources, education and training to be embedded in this framework.