Hospital neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are designed to provide care for premature babies and full-term babies who develop serious problems after birth. In the NICU, babies receive round-the-clock intensive care from doctors, nurses and respiratory therapists specially trained to care for newborns with medical problems.
In the NICU, Mary Ann is kept in an incubator — an enclosed plastic bassinet that's kept warm to help our baby maintain normal body temperature. Because preemies have immature skin and very little body fat, they often need such care to stay warm.
Sensors are taped to Mary Ann's body to monitor blood pressure, heart rate, breathing and temperature. This high-tech equipment seemed overwhelming at first, but it's all designed to help Mary Ann. And for us it's normal now.
At first Mary Ann received fluids and nutrients through an intravenous tube. Milk feedings is now given through a tube passed through her nose and into her stomach. When she is strong enough to suck, bottle-feeding is often possible.
Mary Ann's caregivers will help us learn how to touch and eventually hold and feed her. Talking or singing softly to her, or just providing quiet company, can give great support and comfort.
Mary Anns has turned one :-)
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