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A Tour of the NICU

Everything You Need to Know About the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

By Katherine Bontrager

According to Smith, the machines in most units are pretty standard. "The infants are attached by electrodes on their chest to a cardiac monitor, which monitors their heart rate and if they are breathing," she says. "The infant may be placed on a ventilator depending on the severity of their lung disease. In addition, the premature infant will require nutrition because they're unable to feed by breast or bottle. This will require some intravenous lines to be placed."

While it sounds like too much to fathom, you'll quickly become familiar with most of the equipment. But don't get so wrapped up in the mechanics that you're missing the bigger picture. "Unfortunately since parents generally experience a sense of having lost control of the situation, their only way of gaining control sometimes appears to be a focus on daily numbers, monitors and beeps," Dr. Devaskar says. "But it's very important for parents to focus on their baby and leave the numbers and other medical information to the care taking team. It's easier said than done, since most parents are frightened and stressed about the well-being of their baby."

The complicated machinery is only part of the equation that seeks to keep babies growing stronger and healthier. Utilizing the knowledge of all the doctors and nurses can help parents feel more in control of the situation, in addition to keeping them updated on how their infant is doing.

"There are many members that make up the healthcare team in the NICU," Smith says. "The doctors and nurses are only a small part. There's a nutritionist, developmental specialist, hearing specialist, pharmacists and many others who strive to ensure great outcomes for these infants. In addition, in most NICUs, you'd find a nursing staff with many years of experience. Most NICU nurses find their jobs fulfilling and stay in that field for their careers."

Want to see more?

• Check out our Article Library.
• Going Home Alone: When Preemies Need to Stay in NICU
• Nurturing Your NICU Infant: Comfort for Both Mom and Baby
• The Kangaroo Care Method: Safe, Gentle Bonding Benefits Preemies
• Talk about it!