Learning About Your Family's Role in the NICU

What is the NICU?

The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is the part of the hospital where premature or sick newborns are cared for. It may be scary to see your baby in the NICU. The hospital staff understands this. They will explain what happens and will answer your questions.

You may not feel very important compared to all the people and machines involved in your baby's care. But you are important. Your baby needs you. To babies, the most important people in the world are their family members.

You are a big part of your baby's care team. The NICU staff can help you understand your baby's needs. They can help you learn about the technology, medical words, rules, and procedures in the NICU. But you know what matters to your family. You will make the decisions about what is best for your baby.

How can your family help in the NICU?

By spending time in the NICU, you will get to know your baby, and your baby will get to know you. The NICU staff will support your spending as much time with your baby as you can.

The staff will help you learn what you can do for your baby in the NICU. For example:

  • You may not be able to pick up your baby at first, but you can hold your baby's hand or foot. Touch can help you bond.
  • You can talk to your baby. Your voice is already familiar and comforting to your baby.
  • You can feed your baby or be present for feedings.
  • You can bring in special items for your baby, such as a hat, a blanket, a soft toy, or family photos.

There may be other things you can do for your baby too. The NICU is a busy place, and it may be hard to speak up. But you are the best advocate for your baby. The staff knows that you will have questions. They will help you get them answered and help you provide as much care for your baby as you can.

It is a good idea to be present when the nurses change shifts and the doctors visit the NICU. This will help you know the hospital staff and learn more about your baby's care.

What can you expect?

  • Your baby will be kept comfortable and warm.
  • You may see tubes and wires attached to your baby. This can look scary. But these things help the staff take care of your baby. The tubes may supply oxygen, fluid, or medicine to your baby.
  • If your baby has trouble breathing, the doctor may use a ventilator. This machine helps your baby breathe. To do this, the doctor puts a soft tube through your baby's mouth into the windpipe.
  • It may seem that your baby is getting lots of tests. All of these tests help your doctor keep track of your baby's condition and give the best treatment possible.
  • It's hard to be apart from your baby, especially when you worry about his or her condition. Know that the hospital staff is well prepared to care for sick or premature babies. They will do everything they can to help. If you need it, ask for support from friends and family. You can also ask the hospital staff about counseling and support.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

Where can you learn more?

Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

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