(NICU) Neonatal Intensive Care Unit By your side in every critical moments

Getting to know the comprehensive newborn care in the NICU — covering critical conditions, nursing care, treatment technologies, and the role of family — to ensure your baby’s safety during this crucial period.

What is the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and why is it important?

For families whose newborns face critical medical conditions, receiving care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is a vital step that improves the baby’s chances of survival and supports healthy long-term development. Care in the NICU includes treatment, prevention, and family participation.

What is the NICU and who needs care there?

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is a specialized medical unit for newborns with:

• Premature birth (before 37 weeks of gestation)
• Low birth weight (under 2,500 grams)
• Immature respiratory system
• Congenital physical or neurological abnormalities
• Complications or infections after birth

Scope of care in the NICU

Multidisciplinary team roles

• Neonatologist (newborn specialist physician)
• NICU registered nurses
• Nursing assistants specialized in neonatal care and breastfeeding support
• Pharmacists and physiotherapists (when necessary)

Core care responsibilities

• Continuous vital-sign monitoring
• Respiratory support and oxygen control
• Tube feeding or age-appropriate feeding
• Temperature and environmental control
• Prevention of hospital-acquired infections

Respiratory distress in newborns

Common causes

• Underdeveloped lungs (especially in premature infants)
• Respiratory infections
• Aspiration of amniotic fluid or meconium-stained fluid

Treatment

• Disease-specific ventilator support and intubation
• Oxygen therapy via CPAP and HFNC devices
• Administration of surfactant to expand lung air sacs

Nursing care in the NICU

Key nursing activities

• Monitor vital signs every 1–3 hours
• Skin care, repositioning, and pressure sore prevention
• Document and report clinical changes
• Manage tube feeding or prepare breastfeeding when the baby is ready

Infection prevention in the NICU

Risk factors

• Immature immune system
• Continuous use of medical lines and devices

Infection control measures

• Adequate spacing between patients
• Hand hygiene before and after every contact
• Sterilizing equipment after each use
• Wearing protective equipment during visits

Breastfeeding support in the NICU

Health benefits of breast milk

• Prevents infectious enterocolitis
• Reduces risk of allergies and chronic diseases in the future
• Supports brain and nervous system development

NICU practices

• Encourage mothers to pump milk starting the first day after delivery
• Safe and hygienic breast-milk storage
• Direct breastfeeding training when medically appropriate

Important technologies and equipment in the NICU

Standard equipment

• Ventilator
• Temperature-controlled incubator
• Pulse oximeter
• Phototherapy device for neonatal jaundice

Family role during NICU hospitalization

What parents can do

• Join medical team meetings for progress updates
• Regularly provide expressed breast milk
• Talk or play the mother’s voice to build emotional bonding

“If you have questions or need more information about the NICU-related services, please consult a specialist for proper guidance.”