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If your baby is born prematurely, experiences problems during delivery, or shows signs of health complications in the first few days of their life, they may be admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) which can also be called the Special Care Nursery. The NICU is a nursery in a hospital, that is equipped to provide around-the-clock attention to babies who need highly specialized care, such as help to breathe (ventilation), surgery, or more time to develop. Babies who need to go to the NICU are often admitted within the first 24 hours after birth.
You may feel frightened, overwhelmed, and helpless watching your baby in the care of a team of doctors and nurses, but it is important to remember that you and the NICU team are all working towards the same goal - to get your baby home. In the NICU, you will be encouraged to participate in taking care of your baby. As soon as possible, you will be involved in feeding, bathing, and changing your baby. Parents are welcome 24 hours a day.
To find out more about medical care in a NICU, the levels of care that NICUs provide, the equipment that your baby may need, what you can do to be involved in your baby's care, and resources and support to help you and your family while your baby's in the NICU, please visit the links below.
- KidsHealth from Nemours - When your baby is in the NICU
- March of Dimes - Medical care, staff, and equipment in the NICU
- IWK Health Centre - The power of a parent's touch
- The MotHERS Program - Description, what to expect, and rules of the NICU
- The MotHERS Program - Maternal newborn and NICU sites in Ontario