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