On admission - FAQs

When your baby is admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit you will have lots of questions to ask. We will do our very best to answer them for you.

Click on the link to the right to download a booklet telling you all about life at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. It should answer lots of your questions.

Below you will find some of the more frequently asked questions on admission 

How long will my baby be in NICU?

We usually say, aim for your due date. Babies born nearer their full term may be home earlier. Some very premature babies may still need to be looked after in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit beyond their due date.

Will I be able to care for and cuddle my baby?

Yes. We would encourage you to spend as much time with your baby as you wish. You will be shown how to care for your baby and a nurse will support your baby and you in this.

Can I touch or cuddle my baby anytime?

When your baby is unwell, there may be some times when touching them will cause them discomfort. Always check with your baby's nurse before touching them.

When your baby is older and having regular periods of sleep it is better to allow them to wake naturally rather than disturb them, even if this does not coincide with your visiting times.

What is the best way to touch my baby?

Premature babies prefer a firm touch to light stroking. You can give your baby a finger to hold or use containment holding. This is when you place one of your hands firmly but gently on your baby's head. Place your other hand either on your baby's tummy or around the legs and bottom.

Can my baby show me how they are feeling?

Your baby can show you if they are comfortable or uncomfortable. Babies do communicate and by watching and listening to your baby you can learn what kind of touch to use, and when it is appropriate, safe and pleasurable for your baby.

To start with you may find it much easier to recognise when your baby is over-stimulated or distressed. In time, you will get to know your baby's individual ways and your baby may respond to you more often.

As soon as your baby is well/stable enough, you will be able to cuddle him/her, even if he/she still needs to be ventilated. We encourage skin-to-skin cuddles, as this promotes bonding and helps mums breast milk supply. Please ask staff for more information.

Can I see my baby anytime?

Yes. We have open visiting for parents. Wednesday mornings are the only restriction. This is due to a teaching ward round and the need to keep the confidentiality of all the babies.

What is ventilation?

A ventilator gives oxygen and air into a baby's lungs. It can take over the work of breathing completely or help support the baby's own breathing.

A tube is passed into the baby's mouth and sits in the wind pipe, so equal amount of oxygen and air go into each lung.

The tube is held in place by a holder and tied to a net hat, using ribbon. The tube can stay in place as long as the baby needs it. Sometimes, we will choose to change the tube or it may become dislodged and need replacing.

There are several types of ventilation:

• CMV - This pushes oxygen and air into the baby's lungs, at a rate set by the doctors.
• Trigger - Here, the baby can trigger the ventilator by its own breathing. The ventilator makes sure the baby gets a full breath and will breathe for the baby, if it doesn't trigger the ventilator within a set length of time
• SIMV - Here, we can set the ventilator to give a set number of breaths per minute, which synchronise with the baby's own breathing pattern.
• Oscillation - This uses very fast rates and makes the baby's chest vibrate, instead of going up and down. This can be a little worrying for the parents, but it is a good way to ventilate. The nursing staff will explain it to you if it is used for your baby.
• CPAP (Continuous positive airway pressure ventilation) - Here, the baby is breathing by its self but oxygen/air is blown into the baby's nose via a nasal prong/mask under pressure, which helps expand the lungs so breathing easier. Some premature babies maybe on/off CPAP for months.

What is Chronic Lung Disease?

This maybe a term used if the baby still needs oxygen after 28 days and their chest x-ray has the patchy appearance, typical with chronic lung disease.

Premature baby's lungs are very stiff. However, with respiratory support, in time the condition naturally improves.

As the baby recovers, healthy lung tissue grows. The length of time taken to recover will vary. Some babies will go home still needing oxygen.

Will I be able to breastfeed my baby if it is pre-term?

Not straight away, but eventually, yes.

Very pre-term babies are fed via a naso-gastric tube until they are able to co-ordinate sucking, breathing and swallowing.

This may be several weeks or months but in the mean time you will be able to express milk for your baby. A pump will be provided for you form the unit.

Staff will give you as much support and advice as possible, so please ask for help if you are finding expressing difficult.