ADVICE RATING |
 4.60 (Highly recommend) from 20 votes (166 Visits) |
The first time most people hear these words is when your baby or babies are born prematurely. This brings with it feelings of stress, anxiety and helplessness. What can I do to help my child? Some of this fear can be overcome simply by knowing what happens
and the equipment and procedures of the ward.
On entering the ward, you will be asked to wash your hands! Repeatedly! Hygiene and sterile conditions are a must for tiny babies. You will then be shown to your baby and an explanation given of all the equipment Feel free to ask as many questions as you want.
Here is a list of the basic equipment and procedures.
Humidicrib: These are special units where baby sleeps so that their temperature is kept stable. A lot of effort goes into staying warm by the human body, so this way baby’s energy can go into growing instead.
Heart Monitor: A monitor will record the heart rate.
Oxygen: Oxygen may be given. ( CPAP) which stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure.
Tube feeding: Young babies may take time to develop the sucking reflex or tire very easily when feeding. In these cases, a tube will be used to feed. Again energy is best left for growing.
Cares: Spending time with your baby is precious. You will be offered to learn the basics of nursing care so that you can take over much of their care yourself. This involves taking their temperature, changing their nappy, bathing and feeding if by breast or bottle. You will be offered time for skin to skin contact as well. You may also be asked to express milk if tube feeding is required.
While I know the difficulties of having a baby in the neonatal unit, knowing the basics and being able to provide care yourself, can make all the difference in feeling more in control of your babies welfare and help your own emotional wellbeing. It can be weeks before baby has gained enough weight to go home, being patient can be one of the biggest challenges. Counseling is offered to all parents and information is given at all times. All aspects of mothercraft information and services are also provided.
How do I come to know this? Jacquelyn and James were born at 34 weeks premature. They spent 7 days in the neonatal unit. I was indeed fortunate, as initially I was told it would be 3 to 4 weeks. They are now thriving. I hope this article has helped in some way. If you would like any additional information please feel free to minti mail me.
![200px-Human_Infant_in_Incubator[1].jpg](http://www.minti.com/image/d-200-1000/49422/200px-Human_Infant_in_Incubator[1].jpg)
(May 2008) (
