
For Parents of Premature Infants
Clinical Knowledge. Family Focus. For the Neonatal Community.
As a New Parent of a Premature Infant…
As with full-term births, one thing is certain—you can expect anything. This is a new experience, one that all the reading and research in the world cannot fully prepare you for.
Explaining the NICU
In the NICU, you’ll have the aid and care of a dedicated, highly trained staff, as well as the most technologically advanced equipment. Learn more about the special care environment to make yourself more comfortable in your baby's NICU space:
What Is the NICU?
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is where your newborn will stay for days, weeks, or possibly longer, depending on the baby’s degree of prematurity. This department or area in the hospital is where hospital staff care for newborns who have medical complications, or babies who have been born prematurely.
Here, your baby will be provided with the optimal environment for growth. And you can be right there the whole time. Though the environment in the NICU can be intimidating, health care professionals will familiarize you with it so you can participate in the care process.
What Do All These Machines Do?
As a newcomer to the NICU, it may feel overwhelming and even scary coming into the unit for the first time. Take the time to learn about the equipment in the room and more specifically the equipment that your baby needs. This device overview is a good place to start. Learn also how to get more comfortable in your baby's NICU space from two preemie moms.
Your Role in the NICU
As parents, you are the guardian of your baby’s health. While it might feel overwhelming to learn this new language and figure out what is happening to your tiny baby, you will become an advocate and voice for your child, while in the NICU and as they grow up.
Moms and dads have unique roles in their tiny baby’s lives, and each of you may take on different roles. Talk to other parents about how they do it as a team. If you are a single parent, you may need to access others to help you to work through those roles.
What To Expect After the NICU Stay?
After you leave the NICU, your challenges in caring for your baby may be big or small—depending on how premature your baby was at the time of birth. You may find it hard to adjust to going from the 24-hour guidance and care provided by the NICU to the 24-hour guidance and care required at home. It can be overwhelming, so do not feel ashamed if you find that you need extra help, whether from family, friends, or your baby's health care providers.
Parent Stories
Baby Heroes
Sometimes, the best support can come from parents who have already been through exactly what you are going through now. Thank you to all of the families and preemies from around the world who sent in their stories. You give hope and inspiration to the parents and families currently experiencing all of the challenges that may come with prematurity.
What is Neonatal Jaundice?
Neonatal jaundice is one of the most common conditions in neonates, with 60% of term, and 80% of pre-term babies showing signs of jaundice1. But what is neonatal jaundice, and how can you perceive it? It is typically characterised by a yellowing of the skin and eyes. This discolouration is caused by an elevated level of bilirubin in the blood, a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown. In most cases, newborn jaundice is harmless and resolves on its own within one to two weeks. However, high bilirubin levels may require therapy to prevent complications. Thus, it’s important to know when and how to screen for it and to use effective treatment when needed.