A Neonatal Unit is especially designed and equipped to care for
sick and pre-term babies.
One in ten babies born in the UK spend at least a few days in a
Neonatal Unit, either because they have an infection and need
intravenous antibiotics, need extra monitoring or breathing
support.
The length of stay varies from days to months and depends on
each baby's needs.
Staff in Neonatal Units
The Senior
Nurse and Sisters are in charge of the nursing staff which include
Nurses of all grades, some of whom are in training. The medical
staff consist of Consultants, Registrars and Senior House Officers.
If a baby requires surgery, a Paediatric Consultant Surgeon will
also be involved in the baby's care.
Other staff visiting may include Physiotherapists, Radiographers,
Pharmacists, Dieticians and Social Workers. Social workers help
parents in practical ways and can advise about benefits and
maternity rights.
Equipment
Ventilators
Breathing is the
most common problem for pre-term babies. Their lungs are not fully
developed and they usually need some help so we help them with the
use of a ventilator which pumps oxygen into the baby's lungs via a
tube.
Suction
When a baby is not able to cough up mucus, a small plastic tube
attached to a gentle vacuum can be used to clear the nose, mouth
and throat.
Phototherapy
This is a special blue/white light treatment to help reduce
jaundice. Jaundice is due to the fact that the liver of a newborn
baby is not mature enough to cope with the natural breakdown of red
blood cells.
Monitors
Monitors are used
so that staff can observe a baby's condition without disturbing
him/her. Monitors tell us a baby's heart rate, breathing rate,
blood pressure, temperature and oxygen levels.
Portable Incubators
Sometimes a baby may need specialist treatment that is not
available at every hospital. In these circumstances, the baby will
be moved by ambulance in a portable incubator.
Your Involvement
If your baby is well enough we
will help you to cuddle him/her. If your baby is not well enough
you can hold his/her hand or stroke their head or back as they find
this very soothing. In addition, babies love sounds, gentle
talking and cooing will relax and calm them.
Pre-term babies can see objects which are 6-12 inches away from
their faces. Pictures or a small colourful toy may be placed in
their cot.
As soon as you feel confident, the nursing staff will show you how
to wash, change and give mouth care to your baby.
Feeding
Breast milk is naturally the best food for your newborn baby.
Breast milk can be stored for up to 6 months in the freezer if your
baby is initially too ill to feed. The stored breast milk can then
be given to your baby via the bottle or a tube passed through the
mouth or nose into the stomach (orogastric/nasogastric tube).
Information for Fathers
This can be a difficult time for fathers. You may find yourself
worrying about your partner, baby and coping with daily
practicalities. Remember that you can join in with caring for your
baby in the same way as mothers, including feeding, bathing and
nappy changing.
Many newborn units in the network issue the excellent Parent
Information Booklet produced by Bliss -
the premature baby charity to parents when their
baby is admitted to the unit.