A Guiding Hand for Families in Special Care Nurseries - Digital - Book - Page 28
Special Care Nursery (SCN)
What is Special Care?
This level of care is for babies who do not require intensive
care, and for babies who have ‘graduated’ from Intensive Care
and are getting closer to going home but are still fragile and
need monitoring.
Special Care Nurseries generally provide services such as weaning from
tube-feeding to bottles or breast. Some oxygen support may still be required
and light therapy (phototherapy) may be neccessary for babies with mild
jaundice. SCNs are equipped with incubator units and open cots. SCNs have
a mix of both depending on the level of care needed for your baby.
Your Special Care Nursery Experience
Everybody’s experience in the SCN is different. Try not to compare your
baby’s progress with others and focus on every positive step your baby
takes towards going home. There will be babies in the SCN who have
transferred from the NICU and others who only required care in the SCN.
There may be mothers present who have had a very difficult pregnancy or
labour and may be recovering from this experience also.
Be your baby’s advocate; ask questions, get involved
At first, it can feel like you’re just an onlooker however you can use this time
to get to know your baby, ask questions and make plans for when your baby
comes home. Work closely with your health care team to feel involved in your
baby’s progress which will assist you in preparing for baby’s homecoming.
Below are some common
questions that parents may ask:
• What can I expect when visiting my baby for
the first time?
• How long will my baby be in the Special Care
Nursery?
• My baby is having trouble breathing. What
does that mean?
• How do I obtain information about my baby?
• Who are the people working in the Special
Care Nursery?
• Please help me understand what is
happening to my baby.
• What kind of equipment will be used?
• Can I bring in my own clothes for baby?
• When may I visit my baby? Who can visit my
baby?
• Can I take part in my baby’s care (feeding,
bathing, changing)?
• When may I hold and feed my baby?
• Is there a booklet about the nursery and its
facilities available?
• May I breastfeed my baby? Who can assist me?
Life’s Little Treasures Foundation | Supporting Families of Premature & Sick Babies
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