Newborn Behavioural Observations (NBO) Training
What is the NBO system?
The Newborn Behavioural Observations (NBO) system is a relationship building tool that fosters a positive parent-infant interactive
relationship. A supportive, nurturing relationship that is sensitive and responsive to the infant’s needs is a sign of parents' successful
adaptation to parenting and optimises their infant's neurological and psychological development.
The NBO consists of a set of 18 neurobehavioral observations, which describe the newborn's capacities and behavioral adaptation from birth to the third month of life. It is designed to be easy to use and is a helpful tool for obstetric, midwifery, mental health, paediatric and general practice professionals who work with parents during the perinatal period. In the NBO session, the clinician and parent observe and interpret together the infant's behavioral communication and identify the kind of support the infant needs from their parent for their successful growth and development. The NBO provides parents with individualized information about their infant's behavior, so that they can appreciate their baby's unique competencies and vulnerabilities and thereby respond to their baby, in a way that best meets her or his developmental needs.
The NBO can be flexibly administered with a view to promoting a positive bond between parent and child and between clinician and family. It is inherently interactive and family-centred, because parents are involved as partners in the NBO session throughout.
Presenters
A.Prof Campbell Paul, Royal Children’s Hospital & Royal
Women’s Hospital, Victoria, Australia
Dr Susan Nicolson, Royal Women's Hospital, Victoria, Australia
Ms Danielle Atkins, Occupational Therapist at Hawkes Bay District Health Board, New Zealand
Dr Natalie Duffy, Neonatologist at Mercy Hospital for Women & Royal Children’s Hospital, Victoria,
Australia
August
2025
Three half-days On-Line
Sunday 17 August – 1:30pm to 5:30pm (AEST)
Monday 18 August – 12:30pm to 5:30pm (AEST)
Tuesday 19 August – 12:30pm to 5:30pm (AEST)
October 2025
For professionals working with High-Risk Infants
Two full days In-Person in Melbourne
Monday 27 October – 9:00am to 5:00pm
Tuesday 28 October – 9:00am to 5:00pm
Visit https://nbo-australia.eventbrite.com
for further information and for bookings.
