Caring for Premature Babies in the NICU
The Challenges of Caring for Premature Babies
After close to two decades of caring for newborns, the cries of these little humans no longer faze 39-year-old Siew Jeang Hong. Instead, the head nurse of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at a medical centre in Sunway Velocity says the cries and wails have become a motivating melody that drives her to go the extra mile in ensuring the comfort of these babies.
Premature babies, in particular, come with their own challenges that demand not only knowledge and skills but also immense patience and mental strength to ensure they are returned to their parents in the best possible condition.
The Importance of Incubators
According to Siew, premature babies require various forms of care to support their growth, with an incubator serving essential functions such as regulating the baby’s body temperature, protecting them from infections, and monitoring their heart rate.
Understanding Body Language
In addition, premature babies require high attention from their caregivers, which includes understanding the infants’ body language. For example, unlike full-term babies, premature babies are fed using the orogastric method, where a tube is inserted directly into the stomach through the nose, as they are not yet able to suck, swallow, or breathe naturally.
Kangaroo Care
NICU senior nurse Melanie Anne Rowe, 38, said a premature baby admitted to the unit must be separated from the mother from the first day of birth, and will only be discharged once the necessary developmental milestones are met.
Duration of Care
The duration of care for a premature baby in the NICU depends on its health status and gestational age at birth. Generally, premature babies stay in the NICU until they reach an appropriate developmental stage, which can range from a few weeks to several months.
Conclusion
Caring for premature babies in the NICU requires a high level of skill, patience, and understanding. It is essential to provide these babies with the necessary care and attention to support their growth and development. By understanding their body language and providing skin-to-skin contact, caregivers can help premature babies feel comforted and supported.
FAQs
Q: What is the definition of a premature baby?
A: A baby is classified as premature if it is born before 37 weeks of gestation.
Q: What are the challenges of caring for premature babies?
A: Premature babies require various forms of care to support their growth, including the use of incubators and understanding their body language.
Q: What is the duration of care for a premature baby in the NICU?
A: The duration of care for a premature baby in the NICU depends on its health status and gestational age at birth, and can range from a few weeks to several months.
Q: What is kangaroo care?
A: Kangaroo care is a method of skin-to-skin contact between the mother and baby, which helps to foster bonding and support growth.
Q: What are the risk factors for premature birth?
A: Risk factors for premature birth include lifestyle factors such as stress, smoking, vaping, alcohol consumption, and drug use, as well as health issues in the mother, such as hypertension, diabetes, or infections.