A Guiding Hand for Families in NICU and Special Care Nurseries - Digital - Book - Page 28
An introduction to the NICU and SCN
Neonatal Care Explained
Neonatal units in hospitals specialise in the care of babies born
early, with low birth weight or who have a medical or surgical
condition that requires specialised treatment.
The largest group of babies in the neonatal unit are there because they
were born weeks before their due date and they can often be very small.
Another group of babies will be born close to their due date but they might
be underweight for their gestational age. Other babies will have specific
medical conditions that require support or surgery.
Your baby will be in the unit that is the most appropriate to their needs
at the time. Some hospitals provide intensive and special care facilities,
whereas others provide only special care or transitional care. In some cases,
a baby will be transferred to another hospital for care and if this happens
you may feel anxious and scared about being separated. Rest assured your
baby is in the best of hands as these hospitals are highly specialised to care
for babies and have extremely experienced and qualified staff.
Life’s Little Treasures Foundation | Supporting Families of Premature & Sick Babies
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