The Neonatal Unit

Many babies need to be taken to the neonatal unit and though this may come about due to various reasons it is nonetheless an upsetting time for all parents. It is important to remember that this should only be a temporary measure and that it is designed to prepare your baby for the demands of the outside world.  Around one in ten babies need additional care in the neonatal unit whether it be due to premature birth or breathing problems.

Why do some babies need to go to the neonatal unit?

Reasons for why your baby may need to be transferred to the neonatal unit include:

• Babies born prematurely will need monitoring and assistance in the early stages to ensure your baby is healthy before being discharged.
• Babies suffering from breathing problems may be transferred to the neonatal unit.
• Jaundice is one reason why your baby may need additional care in the neonatal unit.
• Babies who are recovering from treatment after birth may need to be monitored in the neonatal unit.

What type of neonatal units are there?

There are three types of neonatal units where your baby may be placed, depending on their condition:

• Intensive Care - This is when your baby is seriously ill and needs to be monitored at all times.
• High Dependency - This is for babies who are not quite so ill but nonetheless require additional monitoring and care.
• Special Care - This is for babies who are born prematurely and may need more time to develop their body functions.

Who works in the neonatal unit?

The neonatal unit is comprised of a highly skilled medical team of staff who are there to care for your baby’s needs. The members of staff will include neonatal nurses, physiotherapists and paediatricians. Doctors normally visit the neonatal ward twice a day to check your baby’s progress.

Support mechanisms for your baby

Your baby may need support in breathing. If this is the case a ventilator can be used to help them breathe properly; this involves a small tube being placed into your baby’s mouth to push into their lungs.

There are likely to be two types of monitors used to analyse the progression of your baby’s health. They are the oxygen saturation monitor and the vital signs monitor, which both work to effectively monitor breathing, temperature, heartbeat and your baby’s blood pressure.

Your baby may need to be kept in an incubator which might be placed in their cot to ensure they are kept warm.

When can my baby come home?

This will depend on your baby’s condition and how they are progressing. If your baby was born prematurely you can expect your baby home around his/her expected due date. Some babies can be taken home earlier if they are recovering from treatment from the birth. Babies who are seriously ill may need additional attention and may need to be given more time in the neonatal unit before they are allowed to go home. It is important to stay strong through this time and to be there for your baby.

Possible complications in childbirth:

• Possible complications in childbirth
• Premature Labour
• Causes of Premature Labour
• What Should I do if I go into Premature Labour?
• What will happen at the hospital if I am giving birth prematurely?
• What happens after my baby is born?

• Where can I find Support for Premature babies?
• Problems with the umbilical cord
• Foetal distress
• Problems with the placenta
• Postpartum haemorrhage
• The Neonatal Unit