Or they might need a tube that carries milk into their stomachs. A special cot (an incubator) can help with this.īabies who are too small, weak or immature to feed can receive fluids and a special nutrition mixture through a drip. For example, it's harder for them to stay warm because their bodies aren't fully developed yet and they can't regulate their temperature. Like all newborns, premature babies have basic needs: to be kept warm, to be given fluids and nourishment. This could also happen if your local hospital does not have enough room (BLISS 2007). Your baby might therefore have to be transferred to a unit far from your home. There might also be transitional care - perhaps on the postnatal ward - to build up your confidence when it's nearly time for your baby to go home.Įvery hospital has a neonatal unit, but some may not be equipped to provide the care your baby needs. For well babies who are catching up on growth and development after a premature birth, or those who are getting better after more complex treatment. For babies who are not critically ill but still need complex care. Intensive care (Neonatal intensive care, or NICU).Depending on your baby's needs, she will be in one of three types of unit: There are different levels of care available on neonatal units. Still, most parents do not expect to find their baby in the neonatal unit, and it comes as a real shock (Fowlie & McHaffie 2004). Between six and 10 per cent of newborns spend some time here (Lissauer & Fanaroff 2006). If your baby is in the hospital's neonatal unit, you are not alone. The neonatal unit provides expert, around-the-clock care for newborn babies who are ill or born prematurely.
How can I help my baby while she is in the unit?.What about visiting my baby in the unit?.What are all those machines and tubes for?.
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