2019 Vol. 12 No. 2 NIDCAP Federation International (NFI) Founded in 2001, the NFI is an international, non-profit membership organization. The NFI encourages highly attuned implementation of the Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program (NIDCAP) for all intensive, special care and newborn nurseries around the world. The NFI serves as the authoritative leader for research, development, and dissemination of NIDCAP, and for the certification of trainers, healthcare professionals, and nurseries in the NIDCAP approach. Developmental Observer The Official Newsletter of the NIDCAP® Federation International “We are all visitors to this time, this place. We are just passing through. Our purpose here is to observe, to learn, to grow, to love… and then we return home.” Australian Aboriginal Proverb In Conversation with Heidelise Als Kaye Spence, AM In May this year I had the opportunity to have a conversation with Dr. Heidelise Als in Auckland, New Zealand as she was the invited keynote speaker at the Council of International Neonatal Nurses (COINN) 10th international conference. It was such an honour to have her speak and network with over 400 neonatal nurses from 23 countries. In a quiet corner of the hotel café we had a most enjoyable conversation. As Heidelise sipped on her cappuccino she shared many stories, reflec- tions and insights into NIDCAP and the impact it has on newborn infants and their families. I learned so much about this remarkable woman and the pas- sion that has shaped her life. I would like to share parts of this conversation as I asked about her ex- perience at the conference to trigger some thoughts about NIDCAP. KS: After three intense days at the conference would you like to share your overall impressions? HA: When I was invited and saw the conference theme, Enriched Family – Enhanced Care, I knew I wanted to attend. It was so in tune with the philosophy of NIDCAP. I was Greetings from the Editor It is with pride that I present this issue of the Developmental Observer. It has been a fascinating few months for NIDCAP and in this issue we showcase the expansion of the global work of NIDCAP. Earlier this year I had the pleasure of attending the COINN (Council of International Neonatal Nurses) International Confer- ence that was held in Auckland, New Zealand. This time it was particularly memorable as Dr Heidelise Als was one of the invited keynote speakers. I must say Heidi was in her element as nurses from many of the 23 countries represented sought her out for photographs and short conversations. She was always surrounded by groups of enthusiastic nurses, many of whom had studied her work in their university courses and knew what an honour it was to meet her. I took the opportunity to have a conversation which is included in this is- sue. This was enlightening for me as I have known Heidi for nearly 20 years and yet this conversation revealed a different side to her. This issue also features stories about NIDCAP Training, from the point of view of a novice NIDCAP Trainer and a NIDCAP Trainee challenged by her Advanced Practicum. These stories from Dalia Silberstein and Kristen James Nunez challenge us to think about our own practice and training. Hopefully these stories may encourage others to share theirs. We also feature a profile on Dominque Haumont who provides us with Table of Contents In Conversation with Heidelise Als ........ 1 Editorial ...................................................... 1 Family Voices ............................................. 4 A Novice Trainer's Look: Shining Moments and Early Lessons Learned ...... 6 Advanced Practicum Experience .......... 8 NIDCAP Profile ......................................... 11 Global Perspectives of Developmental Care - Belize .............................................. 14 NIDCAP Training Centers Around the World ................................................... 16 The Science Desk .................................... 18 Published Resources ............................... 20 NIDCAP on the Web ................................ 25 Dr. Als giving her keynote address at the Council of International Neonatal Nurses (COINN) 10th international conference. Continued on page 2 Continued on page 3 NIDCAP® is a registered trademark of the NFI, Inc. ©NIDCAP Federation International, 2019.