Trauma-Informed Care During the Newborn Period: Connecting from the First Encounter.

Creator(s)

• Shannon Haines, Children's Mercy Kansas CityFollow
• Patricia Davis, Children's Mercy HospitalFollow
• Dena Hubbard

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-2026

Identifier

DOI: 10.3928/19382359-20260609-02

Abstract

Pediatric trauma-informed care typically begins after toxic stress has been identified. Yet, trauma and the opportunity to prevent adverse impacts begin in utero. This article offers practical guidance for incorporating trauma-informed approaches to pediatric encounters during the newborn period. By focusing on building safety, trust, and parental self-efficacy from the first encounter, pediatricians have the opportunity to strengthen the caregiver-infant relationship, the primary buffer against toxic stress, and improve long-term health outcomes.

Journal Title

Pediatric annals

Volume

55

Issue

8

First Page

308

Last Page

312

MeSH Keywords

Humans; Infant, Newborn; Parent-Child Relations

PubMed ID

42644695

Keywords

Newborn; Parent-Child Relations

Recommended Citation

Haines S, Davis P, Hubbard D. Trauma-Informed Care During the Newborn Period: Connecting from the First Encounter. Pediatr Ann. 2026;55(8):e308-e312. doi:10.3928/19382359-20260609-02