If you have multiples on the way, learning more about the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) can help you prepare for the possibility of your babies needing this type of care and ease some of the anxiety and stress that comes with the unknown.
In this article, we will explore what you should know about the NICU (NIK-yoo), including when and why babies may need NICU care and what to expect.
What is the NICU?
As most expectant parents of twins (or more!) in Singapore, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is a specialised hospital unit providing round-the-clock care for premature and critically ill babies and infants. It is essentially a high tech nursery with special equipment staffed by a team of highly trained healthcare professionals such as:
Neonatologists, who are specialised paediatricians who provide medical care to critically ill newborns in the NICU;
Paediatricians, who are doctors that care for infants, children, and adolescents;
Neonatal nurses, who are specialized nurses who provide around-the-clock care to critically ill newborns in the NICU;
Dieticians, who are trained nutritional care and advice to newborns and their families in the NICU;
Respiratory therapists, who help to solve breathing difficulties for newborns;
Speech, occupational and physical therapists, who provide specialised care and therapy to newborns with developmental delays or disorders;
Lactation consultants, who support and guide mothers who wish to breastfeed their newborns in the NICU;
Pharmacists, who are trained in medication management; and
Medical social workers, who provide support and counselling to families of newborns in the NICU as well as help them access community resources
When and why might my babies need to be admitted to the NICU?
According to Healthhub Singapore, premature babies — babies born before the 37th week of pregnancy — are usually admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit because certain key organs may not be fully developed yet.
What’s the NICU like?
The environment of the NICU is usually adequately lit, with temperature and humidity controls to ensure the infants' comfort. Each bed or incubator has got its own medical equipment, such as ventilators, monitors, and IV pumps. These machines make sounds and can be quite noisy. The staff in NICU wear protective clothing, including gloves and gowns, to prevent the spread of infections. The NICU also has strict infection control protocols, including hand hygiene and cleaning procedures, to reduce the risk of infection.
Where are the NICUs in Singapore?
Here are some hospitals in Singapore with NICUs:
Public hospitals:
KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH)
National University Hospital (NUH)
Singapore General Hospital (SGH)
Private hospitals:
Mount Elizabeth Hospital
Raffles Hospital
Gleneagles Hospital
Thomson Medical Centre
Parkway East Hospital
Mount Alvernia Hospital
In Singapore, public hospitals like KKH, NUH and SGH have Level 3 NICUs that are able to take on cases with higher levels of complexity. While private hospitals such as Mount Elizabeth Hospital and Gleneagles Hospital also have Level 3 NICUs, most higher risk pregnancies get referred to KKH, NUH and SGH for higher level of care in management and monitoring.
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Read also:
Obstacles Faced by Small but Mighty Premature Babies in the NICU
Navigating the NICU As Parents of Premature Babies
Triplet Trials and Triumphs from Prematurity to Terrific Twos
Twin Triumphs: MCDA Wombmates to Food Explorers
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