What is the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit?

Newborn babies who need intensive medical attention are often admitted into a special area of the hospital called the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The NICU combines advanced technology and trained health care professionals to provide specialized care for the tiniest patients. NICUs may also have intermediate or continuing care areas for babies who are not as sick but do need specialized nursing care. Some hospitals do not have the personnel or a NICU and babies must be transferred to another hospital.

Some Newborn babies will require care in a NICU, and giving birth to a sick or premature baby can be quite unexpected for any parent. Unfamiliar sights, sounds, and equipment in the NICU can be overwhelming. This information is provided to help you understand some of the problems of sick and premature babies. You will also find out about some of the procedures that may be needed for the care of your baby.

Who Can Visit the NICU?

Parents can visit and spend time with their babies who stay in the NICU. Other family members might be able to visit, but only during set hours and only a few at a time. Children visiting the NICU must be well (not sick) and should have all their immunizations. Check with the hospital staff about which family members can see your baby.

Everyone who comes into the NICU must wash their hands before they enter. (There will be a sink and antibacterial soap in the room and near the entrance of the NICU.) This is a crucial part of keeping the NICU as clean as possible so the babies aren't exposed to germs.

You may be tempted to bring toys, decorations, or other items in your baby's room, but check with the nurse first. If allowed, these things should be easy to clean (no stuffed animals). Some hospitals let parents tape pictures or other decorations to the outside of a baby's incubator.

What's the Medical Equipment for?

Drager Jaundice Meter JM-105

When you first enter the NICU, it's normal to feel a little alarmed by all the equipment you see. But it's there to help your baby get well. Here's a brief look at some equipment you might find:

Fisher and Paykel Airvo 2 HHHFNC Machine :
About 5-10% neonates develop respiratory distress because of prematurity , meconium aspiration, pneumonias and bronchiolitis . we are equipped with most Morden non invasive modality to tuckle it. There are only few such machine installed in Saurashtra, we are proud to have it, since last 1 year, which transformed management of respiratory distress in Neonates and Young invented, resulted in few referrals to higher centre.

Infant warmers:
These are small beds with heaters over them to help babies stay warm while being monitored. Because they are open, they allow easy access to babies.

Syringe Infusion Pump:
We are havens highest number of syringe pumps in Porbandar. We give i.v fluids to only, which delivers exact amount of fluid and drugs to babies and every new born via syringe pumps.

Transcutaneous Bilirubinometer:
Proud to say that we are equipped with Draeger Jaundice Meter JM-105, (only few in Saurashtra only one in Porbandar). Which measures Jaundice in neonates without suffering from pain of blood sampling and it gives report in so seconds, while blood test at least 2 HRS to report

Phototherapy:
Some newborns have a problem called jaundice, which makes the skin and whites of the eyes yellow. We are equipped with most modern and powerful Brilliance Pro phoenix photography units which can control neonatal Jaundice in 12-4 HRS.

Monitors:
We are equipped with pulse oximeters, multipara and NIBP.