The Newborn Behavioral Observations System: Where did it come from, where is it now, and what does the future hold?

Presented by Lise Johnson, MD

This webinar was presented live on Wednesday November 6, 2024 at 4pm US Eastern time. Through the kindness of the presenter, a recording of the webinar is available here.

Lise Johnson, MD

The Newborn Behavioral Observations (NBO) system is a flexible clinical tool designed to help parents understand their baby's communication strategies and individuality, with a goal of strengthening the parent-infant relationship. Since its inception at the turn of the 21st century with roots in the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale and the Synactive Theory of Development, the NBO has been adapted for use in diverse settings, from highly technological NICUs to resource-limited rural villages.  Over time, the theoretical foundations of the NBO have broadened beyond the original framework for understanding newborn behavior (Infant AMOR) to also consider the contribution of the parent to the caregiving relationship (Parent AMOR) and the role of the practitioner in supporting the infant and parent (Practitioner AMOR). As we reflect on the origins of the NBO and how it has evolved over time, we take stock of the present and imagine together what the future may hold.
Lise Johnson, MD is the Director of the Brazelton Institute at Boston Children’s Hospital. A general pediatrician by training, Dr Johnson devoted the first decade of her career to pediatric primary care. Since 2001 she has worked as a newborn hospitalist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, also serving as the hospital’s Medical Director of Well Newborn Care until 2019. Dr Johnson is an NBO Master Trainer and co-author of the NBO Handbook. She is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School.

Through the kindness of the presenter, a recording of the webinar is available here.