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 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.
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.
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.