NICU
Precautions – Underage Visitors
So what does ‘underage’ precisely mean in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit? While it may vary from unit to unit, generally it means anyone under the age of 18. With the exception of siblings of the infant, many NICUs will not allow any children under the age of 18 visitation privileges.
The reasons are mainly three-fold:

Children under the age of 18 have immune systems that have not quite completely adapted to all the bacteria and viruses out in the everyday environment. This leads to the stronger likelihood …

NICU
Oxygen Management / Respiratory Care
Nasal Cannula
The following information is from wikipedia: [Source]
 The nasal cannula (NC) is a device used to deliver supplemental oxygen to a patient or person in need of extra oxygen. This device consists of a plastic tube which fits behind the ears, and a set of two prongs which are placed in the nostrils. Oxygen flows from these prongs.
The nasal cannula is connected to an oxygen tank, a portable oxygen generator, or a wall connection in a hospital via a flowmeter. The nasal cannula carries 1–6 litres …

NICU
Oxygen Management / Respiratory Care
CPAP
CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. This common form of infant respiratory care helps a baby breathe by providing a small amount of pressurized air.
Severe respiratory conditions may require a ventilator or oscillator, while less critical infants may be placed on CPAP. This is a mask of sorts that will fit over the baby’s mouth and nose. Straps are often used to secure the mask around the infant’s head.

NICU
Oxygen Management / Respiratory Care
Oscillator
An oscillator is a more recent version of a ventilator that keeps the lungs open with a constant positive end-expiratiory pressure, also referred to as ‘PEEP’. What is different between this and a ventilator is that while the ventilator will inflate and deflate the baby’s lungs, simulating breathing, an oscillator will vibrate the oxygen at a very high pace. This allows for gasses in the airway to be diffused rapidly and efficiently. By doing …

NICU
Oxygen Management / Respiratory Care
Ventilator
A ventilator in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is a machine that is used to breathe for an infant when the baby is incapable breathing on its own. A ventilator simulates breaths by basically inflating and deflating the infant’s lungs.
Premature babies in particular will not have fully developed their lungs, so the baby must be placed on a respiratory breathing machine, such as a ventilator. This is considered life support.
There are many different types of ventilators in use today, each to accommodate specific NICU …

NICU
Infant Formula
Information
Formula is specifically created to be the best possible alternative to breast milk for infants. While formula cannot replicate the antibodies or full nutritional value of breast milk, there’s no reason to feel bad for using it.
There are 3 types of forumla:

Powder
Concentrated Liquid
Ready to Use

In addition to the different types, there are many different kinds of formula as well, each made for a specific purpose or condition. Talk to your pediatrician about what formula is best for your baby, and if you should use powder, concentrated liquid, …

NICU
Breast Milk / Breastfeeding
This information is courtesy of WomensHealth.gov: [Source]
Breastfeeding is more than a lifestyle choice — it’s an important health choice. Any amount of time that you can do it will help both you and your baby. There are many benefits of breast milk for mothers, babies, and others.

Breastfeeding is normal and healthy for infants and moms.
Breast milk has disease-fighting cells called antibodies that help protect infants from germs, illness, and even SIDS. Infant formula cannot match the exact chemical makeup of human milk, especially the cells, hormones, and …

What is Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)?
Total parenteral nutrition is a way of feeding an infant that delivers nutrients, vitamins, minerals, fats, electrolytes and many other essential components via the bloodstream, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract. This is common in premature infants, as their stomachs and intestines are not quite developed enough to handle breast milk and formula, and cannot adequately absorb nutrients.
 TPNs are delivered through intravenous lines, such as an IV in the hand, foot, or sometimes the head. Other methods may be to use a UVC (umbilical vein catheter) or …

Level IV/ Level 4 NICU
Information
A level 4 NICU is the highest level, and usually can provide the most advanced care for infants, critically ill infants, and premature babies.
Infants with extremely complex and complicated illnesses can be transferred to a level 4 NICU, as well as extremely sick premature infants.

Level III / Level 3 NICU
Information
A level 3 NICU is more specialized, and can function as a level 2 NICU as well. Very rarely will a level 3 NICU serve the functions of a level 1 NICU.
Level 3 units care for premature and extremely premature infants, critically ill infants, and infants requiring surgery. The length of stay for an infant in this level of a neonatal unit can last days, weeks, or even months.
Each level 3 NICU is different and has a range of what it can and cannot do. …