At our Infant Apnea Program, a doctor assesses and treats infants in Central Minnesota at risk for, or who have experienced, apnea (absent breathing) and/or bradycardia (slow heart rate). If needed, the doctor will have the child see a developmental specialist, dietitian, respiratory therapist and a durable medical equipment specialist.

We are committed to patient- and family-centered care. As a partner in your child’s care, you can:

• help make decisions and set priorities
• get information, educational resources and support
• access health care services

Would you benefit from our Infant Apnea Program?
The Infant Apnea Program supports:

• premature infants with a history of apnea and/or bradycardia
• infants with abnormal breathing
• infants with signs and symptoms of stomach reflux
• infants who have experienced a life-threatening event
• infants with certain physical conditions that interfere with breathing
• infants of substance abusing mothers
• siblings of SIDs (sudden infant death) victims
• siblings of infants with history of recurrent unexplained apnea

What services does the Infant Apnea Program provide?
The Infant Apnea Program can provide you with home monitoring, apnea clinic and medication consultation.

Home Monitoring
Some infants may need a home monitoring device to alert parents of their need for immediate attention. The Infant Apnea Program can help you get a referral, find medical equipment and train you on the use of durable medical equipment. If your infant has an increase in the number of alarms or severity of episodes, contact us or your child’s doctor as soon as possible.

• Emergency: 911
• Urgent concerns: Your child’s primary doctor
• Infant Apnea Program: (320) 255-5781 or (800) 835-6652, ext. 55781
• Equipment concerns: Call your durable medical equipment company

Apnea Clinic
You and your child may benefit from visits to our Apnea Clinic. The clinic allows us to assess your child’s progress, plan next steps and provide education on your child’s care. The first visit is usually set up one month after the baby leaves the hospital, with follow-up visits as needed. Visits may include:

• Physical checkup
• Review of infant event recording log
• Developmental checkup
• Nutritional checkup
• Additional referrals, as needed

Clinic visits should not replace visits to your infant’s primary care doctor.

Medication Consultation
Your child may need medicine to decrease the rate and severity of apnea and bradycardia. As your child gains weight, we may change your child’s dose of medicine. Do not increase or decrease doses of medicine unless you talk to the Infant Apnea Program or your child’s primary care doctor.

Where can I receive more information?
For referrals, information, or to cancel an appointment, please call (320) 255-5781 or (800) 835-6652, ext. 55781. We receive referrals from doctors, hospitals, clinics and other community resources. Our program is the only one in Central Minnesota to provide infant apnea support.