Table 2 Categories, Definitions, and Examples of Projected Autonomy

Physiology

Neonatologists describe the complexity of neonatal physiology, making it more accessible by making the fetus the subject of the actions.

Limits

• Won’t be strong enough to do it on their own

• Don’t realize they need to make the transition

• Won’t be able to breathe on his own.

• They don’t know how to feed on their own.

Responder

• We’ll watch and see how he’s responding…

• Based on how your child’s responding

• If he doesn’t respond, it’s just too early for him

• We’ll see how he responds – how he’s growing, how his activity is over time

Recipient of Help

• We’ll help them breathe, stay warm, support blood pressure

Actor

• Baby’s job is to grow the placenta.

• He’s pumping blood through the umbilical cord.

• He’s still got room to wiggle in there.

• Your baby is growing. He’s becoming more mature.

• Declares it’s her turn to come into the world.

• He’ll figure out how to eat.

• They kind of fix themselves.

Development of the Fetus’s Presence

Neonatologists refer to the fetus in a future state, beyond the NICU course.

• We want him running around terrorizing his brother.

• …keeping up with his brother and sister.

• I hope he’s not too much trouble.

Neonatologists use adjectives or nouns to depict strength and vigor.

• She’s active.

• She’s strong.

• He or she is the boss here.

• We are her soldiers, all aligned and listening.

• He’s got a will to live.

• Fighter like his dad.

• He’s got the highest mountain to climb.