After the birth of a baby, new parents can’t wait to take their little one home, which is why learning that your newborn has been admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) can raise many questions about what that means for you and your baby. Neonatologist Roberto Villegas Jr., MD, explains what parents can expect at the NICU.
Q: What is the NICU?
The NICU is an intensive care unit for infants who are sick and require specialized treatment. Most infants who go to the NICU are admitted within 24 hours of birth for complications that may include premature birth, low birth weight or signs of a serious health condition. The NICU is staffed around the clock and has specialized equipment for babies that may include things like feeding tubes, IV lines, monitors, infant warmers, isolettes, ventilators and other machines designed for babies' unique treatment needs.
Q: Who will care for my baby in the NICU?
Neonatologists, neonatal nurses, respiratory therapists and nurse practitioners with special training to treat infants work in the NICU to care for your baby and make their stay as comfortable as possible. Pediatric subspecialists like dietitians trained in perinatal and neonatal nutrition and pediatric ophthalmologists may also address problems with weight gain or vision.
Q: Can I visit my baby in the NICU?
Parents are welcome to see their baby in the NICU. You can consult hospital staff about visitation. Depending on your baby’s condition you may also be able to hold and feed them, or you may hold their hand, stroke their head or bond in other ways. The contact you can have with your baby will depend on their situation, so it’s always best to ask first.
Q: How long will my baby be in the NICU?
The amount of time a baby must stay in the NICU depends on the complexity of treatment needed. Some babies my spend a day or two in the NICU while others may need to spend weeks or months there. You can ask the nurse on duty in the NICU for updates about your baby's condition. For long stays in the NICU, Doctors Hospital provides trained volunteers who can offer the nurturing touch babies need when parents are unable to be there because of work or personal demands.
To find a pediatrician, call our free referral service at 877-992-1711.