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| BHMC - Little Rock » NICU |
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why is my baby here?
A baby is placed in the intensive care nursery because, in the opinion
of the professionals present at the birth of your baby, it is the
best place for your child to be observed, treated and cared for.
There are many answers to this question depending on your history
and on the gestational age of your baby. After your baby has been
admitted and examined the team can give you a more detailed explanation
of what is going on.
Who is in charge of my baby's care?
While your baby is in the NICU, our primary care team, consisting
of a neonatologist and registered nurse will manage the care of
your baby. Your private pediatrician will check in with the team
from time to time to get an update on the progress and plans for
the baby and on the time for the baby to be transferred to his/her
care.
When can I visit my baby?
Our unit is family-based meaning that we involve the family as much
as possible and allow 24 hour a day visitation. Parents and grandparents
can visit independently, all other visitors need to be accompanied
by a parent and be at least 14 years old unless they are a sibling.
Anyone who has been ill, has a cold or cold-like symptoms, or has
been exposed to chickenpox within 3 weeks should not visit.
Can I check on my baby after my discharge home?
You can call 24 hours a day at one of these numbers:
(501) 202-2812
(800) 332-4415
Can I take photos / video of my baby?
When your baby's condition permits we encourage you to take photos.
Some parents even leave a one-time use camera at the bedside so
that we can catch milestones as they happen. For example: tubes
out, face uncovered, weights, smiles, etc. The staff will take a
photo of each baby when admitted to keep at baby's bedside.
How does my baby eat?
Most babies don't eat by mouth when they are first admitted to the
NICU. Depending on their gestational age and/or their condition
this may last for days to several weeks. We provide them with intravenous
fluids (IV's) and may change the fluids to hyperal, IV fluid that
contain vitamins, minerals, protein, fats and carbohydrates –
everything your baby needs for optimal growth and nutrition.
Once your baby is capable of taking breastmilk or formula it will be provided by breast, bottle or feeding tubes depending on your baby's specific needs. Typically, babies have problems coordinating sucking and swallowing with breathing before 32 weeks gestation.
What if I want to breastfeed?
Until your baby can be put to breast you will need to pump and freeze
your milk. NICU nurses are able to help you and teach you what you
need to save your milk.
When your baby is stable, we can begin Kangaroo Care, which is skin-to-skin holding. Even if your baby isn't ready to nurse, Kangaroo Care can help to increase your milk production. When moms and dads begin Kangaroo Care, it helps to establish family bonding. You don't have to be breastfeeding to Kangaroo your baby.
Can I bring toys or clothing for my baby?
You may want to bring one or two washable toys to place in your
baby's room. As soon as your baby's condition permits, you may bring
in clothes. Preemie clothing, diapers, etc can be purchased at our
Expressly for You store. Please label your baby's personal items.
Do all these tubes and lines in my baby hurt him/her?
You will see that, at a minimum, each baby in the NICU will have
on leads that attach it to a heart monitor and a saturation monitor.
We don't believe these cause pain to the infants although they may
be annoying to the parents while you're holding the baby. Your baby's
pain will be evaluated by watching vital signs, facial expressions,
crying and movement. Our goal is to eliminate your baby's pain by
comfort measures or medication.
The smaller or the sicker the baby, the more tubes will be involved in providing the care that your baby requires. Some of these tubes, depending on the placement, may be uncomfortable or painful to the baby. The nurses will go over every tube and line with you and discuss questions you may have.
What happens after the NICU?
If your baby was admitted for prematurity and has now progressed
to the growing stage he/she will be transferred to the Neonatal
Special Care Unit (NSCU) for the time they need to grow.
If your baby was admitted for observation or infection, feeding problems, etc and you are still a patient at BAPTIST HEALTH, your baby may be able to be transferred to the nursery or your room when his/her problem resolves.
If my baby needs services after discharge, how will this be arranged?
Decisions are made and discussed with you before transferring the
care of your baby to your private pediatrician regarding the need
for continued special services. Specific departments may have requested
follow up appointments for your child for a specific time after
discharge or your child may need medications or treatments adjusted
after you go home.
The NICU staff will go over all of this with you. Any doctor's
appointments for follow up after discharge we will try to make for
you while plans are being made for the transfer/discharge.
MORE ABOUT US
- Visitation
- Virtual
tour - your first visit to the NICU
- Primary Care
- NICU Staff
- Accessories - equipment that may be used
- Special Tests or Treatments
- Special Conditions of a Baby
- Parenting and Positive Touch
- Kangaroo Care
- Infant Massage
- Breastfeeding
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Understanding your Preemie
- Going Home
- Common Medications
- Support Groups / Other Services
- Financial Assistance
- Daycare
- Helpful Links
