Supporting Your Baby’s Health in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) plays a critical role in the care of newborns who require specialized medical attention. For intended parents, understanding what NICU care entails, when it may become necessary, and the benefits it provides can help ease concerns during an already emotional time. This blog aims to educate parents about NICU services, highlighting the high standards of care at our associated maternity hospital.
What is the NICU?
The NICU is a specialized department within a hospital dedicated to the intensive care of premature and critically ill newborns. A baby may be admitted to the NICU if they are born prematurely, have low birth weight, or need additional medical support immediately after delivery. Factors such as respiratory issues, specific congenital conditions, or the need for close monitoring can necessitate a stay in the NICU.
Having a fully equipped NICU within the maternity hospital signifies high-quality care and a commitment to the well-being of infants. If a delivery occurs at a facility without NICU access, ambulances equipped to transport newborns are available immediately if it is determined that the baby requires specialized care.
Quality Care at Our Partner Clinic
The maternity hospital where we facilitate deliveries has both intensive care for surrogate mothers and a state-of-the-art NICU. This facility is recognized as one of the best hospitals in the country, particularly for complicated deliveries. If any complex cases arise, our partner clinic is considered the safest destination for the finest care and assurance.
Levels of NICU Care
The NICU is typically divided into three levels of care, depending on the severity of the baby’s condition:
Level III (Most Severe Conditions):
- Neonates under 32 weeks gestational age or weighing less than 1250 grams.
- Babies requiring respiratory treatment (nasal continuous positive airway pressure [CPAP], mechanical ventilation, or nasal cannula).
- Conditions such as apnea, seizures, and shock.
- Infusion of inotropes, prostaglandins, and total parenteral nutrition.
- Neonates needing exchange blood transfusions or peritoneal dialysis.
Level II (Moderate Severity):
- Partial parenteral nutrition.
- Postoperative care within 48 hours.
- Care for congenital anomalies, suspected or proven bacterial infections, or urinary tract infections.
- Treatment for hypoglycemia requiring intervention.
- Support for neonates weighing between 1250 to 1800 grams.
Level I (Mild Conditions):
- Treatment for hyperbilirubinemia requiring phototherapy.
- Monitoring for feeding difficulties and weight gain stabilization.
The NICU is designed to provide the highest level of care for newborns requiring specialized attention. Intended parents can find comfort in knowing that at our partner clinic, the support provided for their baby is comprehensive, with remarkably high survival rates and successful discharge outcomes. Parents consistently express their gratitude for the care their newborns receive in the NICU, reinforcing the importance of having a dedicated team of experts ready to ensure a healthy start for their little ones. If you have questions or concerns regarding NICU care or your baby’s health, do not hesitate to reach out. We are here to support you every step of the way on your journey to parenthood.
