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 includes 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,
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
Breastmilk 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.