To help answer your questions we have created a list of the most
frequently asked questions.
Can I bring anything into the Unit for my
baby?
Parents and visitors usually want to personalise their baby's
incubator. This is fine as long but please bear in mind that
the Unit is very busy and doesn't have a lot of space. Please
only bring in small things and a few at a time. If there are
lots of toys in the incubator, they might get lost or dropped.
If you have a lot at home, rotate your selection of toys. Sick
babies on the Unit are vulnerable to infections, which might be
carried in on soft toys so please make sure they are either
new or recently washed. The nurses will spray it them with an
antiseptic spray before putting them in the baby's cot or
incubator. You will find that the nurses are often grateful for
soft toys because they can help support the baby's tubing or
pacifiers ('dummy'). Often the baby's brothers or sisters like
to draw a picture for the baby. It is fine to attach small
pictures to the side of the incubator.
I am worried that my baby is very fragile, and that I
might do something wrong?
Please be reassured that our experienced nurses will be on hand
in the Unit to help you. They will show you how to take care
of your baby. Many of our babies' parents are anxious at first
but all of them become very good at caring for even the
tiniest babies.
What can I do for my baby during the first days on the
Unit?
During the initial stages of your baby's admission to the Unit,
it is important that you can just be with them as often as
possible. It is good if you can talk to them and stroke them
gently. When your baby starts to recognise your voice, we know
they become reassured. You should, however, balance this with
your own need for sufficient rest and sleep. If the baby's
mother has chosen to breastfeed, she can start to express her
milk, which we can store until the baby can tolerate milk
feeds. Our staff will help and advise you with this.
What can I do for my baby in the Unit later
on?
As your baby begins to get stronger and healthier you will be
encouraged to take an increasing part in your baby's care. This
can help you gain confidence before you return home as a
family.
Can we, as the baby's parents, phone the Unit to ask
about his/her progress?
Parents are usually given the direct number of Unit and may call
any time of the day or night. We would prefer you to give us
a call to reassure yourselves than sit at home worrying. For
practical reasons, we will limit the amount of information
given
over the phone, and will only give information to a baby's
parents.
Can other people phone the Unit?
To limit the disturbance of the staff of the Unit, we ask that
relatives or friends should ask you, as parents, for current
updates. Depending on the circumstances of the parents, they may
wish a relative or friend to act as their support person. As
long as the parent lets the Unit staff know this and gives
permission, we can share information by phone with the
nominated
contact person.
Why do I need to wash my hands?
All visitors to the Unit must wash their hands when they enter
and when they leave. This is because our babies are both
vulnerable to infections and are more susceptible to having
major reactions to simple colds than older infants. Always wash
and dry your hands and wrists thoroughly before touching your
baby, and please use the alcohol hand rub. Before touching your
baby, if possible, please remove any rings and watches that you
are wearing. Again, this is to minimise the risk of carrying
infection to the baby.
What should I wear to visit the
Unit?
All visitors entering the Unit must remove their outdoor
clothing (eg coats etc). Because of all the equipment
generating
heat, the rooms can get very hot so we advise you to wear only
light clothing. When your baby is ready to be handled outside
the incubator, we encourage both parents to hold the baby
skin-to-skin on their chest. This is good for both of you.
Mothers
can usually start to breast feed at this time. Both of you will
find it easier if you wear a shirt (or top) that opens down
the front to give the baby easy access to your chest skin.
Can I take photos of my baby?
When the baby is first admitted, a nurse on the Unit will take a
photo and will give you a copy as soon as possible.
You are welcome to bring your own camera to the Unit and take
further photos of your baby, but do not take any pictures of
other babies in the room. The camera flash does not seem to harm
babies but please try to limit its use because pre-term
babies need undisturbed sleep to help them grow. To prevent
accidental loss, please take care not to leave your camera
unattended.
Can my visitors' children also come to the
Unit?
Only the brothers and sisters of the baby (the parents'
children) may visit. This is to minimise the risk of infection
to
this group of vulnerable babies.
I am worried my child will be frightened by the
experience
We know it is good idea for the baby's brothers and sisters to
come and visit their new brother and/or sister. It is
important that they don't feel excluded from what is happening
at this time to help prevent relationship problems developing
in the future. Children actually tend to 'accept' the machinery
and tubing that we have on the NICU much more easily than
adults tend to. Very young children will need careful
supervision. Short, frequent visits are usually preferable to a
single
long visit; this helps prevent them getting bored and
restless.
Can my other children visit the
baby?
Most units welcome visits from the baby's siblings, just as long
as they do not have obvious signs of having a cold or other
infectious disease. In particular, they should not visit if they
have had recent contact with children who have chicken pox
(varicella zoster) or shingles. If you have any questions or
concerns about infections please discuss them with the nurse
caring for your baby.
How many visitors can come to see the baby at a
time?
Most units will only allow 2 adult visitors by your baby's cot
at any one time. One of these must be one of the baby's
parents. This limit is to reduce the risks of any infection
being spread in the Unit and because the rooms get crowded. If
a
large family wants to visit, they can take it in turns to come
in with one of the parents.
When can I visit my baby?
Most Units have open visiting for parents but during the initial
admission period the doctors and nurses can be very busy
caring for your baby. The nurses will let you know as soon as it
is possible to come to see your baby.
Why are some babies admitted to the NICU/ Special Care
Baby Unit?
Babies are admitted to the NICU for a variety of reasons,
including if they are born before 36 weeks of gestation (the
normal
full-term gestation is 40 weeks), have difficulties with their
breathing that require support, are born with problems that
require surgical correction, are at risk of feeding problems,
have a suspected infection, just require close observation for
a short while, sometimes for just a matter of hours or have
other medical conditions requiring treatment in hospital.
Sometimes babies are transferred to us from other neonatal units
because we have the staff, expertise and capacity to care
for very sick babies.
Can I bring in clothes for my
baby?
Most babies that are admitted to the NICU are initially unwell.
At this time, they are best cared for in their incubator
unclothed, which helps us to observe their progress closely.
Once your baby is getting stronger, we can start to clothe
him/her. Some parents like to bring in their own baby clothes,
which is fine but there is no need to do this because we have
some baby clothes on the Unit, which we launder for you. If you
bring your own baby clothes, it is safest to prevent losses
by taking them home to launder. Please also mark them in some
way so that they can be identified.
I need to travel to the Unit every day, how can I
reduce the parking costs?
Most Units will be able to help with long term parking tickets.
Please discuss with your nurse.
When can I bring my baby home?
All
parents are naturally anxious to get their baby home as soon as
possible. We do, however, need to balance this with the
best interest of the baby from a medical point of view. If your
baby was born early but is otherwise healthy, usually, they
can go home at about the time that they would have been 'term'
(ie the due date). This can, however, vary depending on the
baby's strength and growth. If you would like to know more about
your baby's condition and when they might be ready to return
home, please ask your nurse or doctor who is caring for your
baby on the Unit.