While in the neonatal
intensive care unit (NICU), your baby is cared for by a team of experts. Get to
know the members of your child's care team and ask them any questions you
have.
Who Will Care for My Baby?
Nurses are responsible for the daily care of your baby. They will feed, change,
and bathe your baby; give medicines; keep track of vital signs (like temperature,
breathing, and heart rate); and monitor medical equipment.
Nurses you may meet include the:
charge nurse: the nurse in charge of the shift
primary nurse: the one who is assigned to your baby
neonatal
: a nurse with extra training to care
for newborns
Others who may care for your baby:
a neonatologist: a doctor who focuses (specializes) on newborn
intensive care
other specialists: doctors like a neurologist (who specializes
in problems of the brain and nerves), a cardiologist (who specializes in problems
of the heart), or surgeon (who treats problems that need surgery)
fellows, medical residents, and medical students: doctors-in-training
at different levels of study
a respiratory therapist: a therapist who gives treatments that
help with breathing
a speech-language pathologist: a therapist who helps babies with
feeding or swallowing problems
a lactation consultant: a nurse or other member of the care team
who helps mothers breastfeed
their babies or supply
breast milk to their babies
a dietitian: an expert who helps provide the right nutrition
for babies with medical needs
a physical therapist (PT) and/or occupational therapist (OT):
therapists who help babies with fine
motor or gross motor
skills
a pharmacist:
an expert who works with doctors to give medicines
lab technicians: a person who runs lab tests (like blood tests)
a chaplain: a spiritual or religious leader who can counsel you
and give comfort. Chaplains can help anyone looking for support, no matter their religious
background.
a social worker: a person who helps you get the support
and services you need
How Does the Care Team Help?
Your baby's care team is there to make sure your baby gets the best start in life.
The team is also there to support you and your family.
While in the hospital, reach out with any questions you have, and learn all you
can about your baby's health and daily care. The more you know, the better prepared
you'll be to care for your baby when it's time to go home.
