Frequently Asked Questions and What's that?
There can be many confusing and worrying aspects of special unit baby care in this section we hope to give you an in-site into the many procedures and also explain a few things to you.
Equipment Guide.
Neo Natal equipment gives a baby that is born too early the best chance to survive in a world it should not be in yet. IE the baby should still be in the womb. Many of the machines perform functions of the womb and others help sustain the early start in life.
It is important to remember that care and treatment does vary between each unit. We are not saying that any one form is any better or worse. But remember of you have any questions ask a person who is medically qualified to answer your questions. They will be more than happy to help. And remember every baby needs different levels of care and can have different problems.
It is important to remember that love and care by the parents and relatives also help aid recovery and growth just as all the machines do!
What is an apnea alarm?
This warns staff and parents if the baby stops breathing some use sticky pads on to the babies chest others are placed under the mattress. As the babies move again these alarms are prone to false alarms and a lot of bleeps!
What is a billyruby monitor and what is photopherapy?
Pre-mature and even term babies can have jaundice. A billyruby sensor can be used to monitor the amount of billyrubin in the blood and treatment can then be administered as necessary. There are two ways of treating jaundice one is like a sun lamp which goes over the top of the incubator or cot the other is a blanket with fiber optic tubes in that send the light to the babies skin. The babies eyes are covered by "goggles" or a dark plastic hood. Whilst there does not seem to be any evidence of damage to the eyes it is certainly better to be safe than sorry.
What is a blood gas analyzer?
This measures the amount of Oxygen and Co2 in the babies blood and by careful monitoring any Oxygen that is required can be administered to keep the Oxygen levels at their best. This is an important part of treatment, but yes again when the babies move the alarms can go off or the signal or reading drop - so don't be too alarmed at this!
What is a blood pressure monitor?
A small version of an adult one this can measure the blood pressure and can if needed do so continuously. Or this can be done by a line going directly to the babies blood stream and displayed on a monitor.
Why use a Breast Pump?
The saying breast is best is correct and especially applies to premature babies. Some mothers can produce others can not. It seems to be more the norm to have problems producing especially when in the case of premature babies, so if your wife cannot express please do not worry. Every little does help and even a few small drops carry antibodies that can help the babies start in life and help defend against infection. Comment: my wife was lucky to produce a small dribble but these were well appreciated because every little helps. A small drop to a small baby is a lot!
Glucose Tests.
This is one of the most common tests and is essential. Glucose levels need to be monitored as glucose energy helps the baby to breath and to keep warm as well as other bodily functions.
Tests need to be carried out regularly so that correct levels are maintained.
Why use incubators?
These provide the correct amount of warmth and humidity in the air as well as making it easier for staff and parents to observe the babies more easily. Small babies may not be able to control their body temperature and may also loose moisture through the skin. There are various types that are used, and there is various hatches etc that allow cares and treatment to be done.
Monitors.
These can be combined or separate units and can monitor blood gases, Heartbeat, Blood Pressure and temperature without the need for too much contact. Premature babies do not like a lot of contact at once as they cannot cope with all the input. A bit like too much noise when we are trying to concentrate. Some can also record data over a period of time.
What is a pulseomitor or saturation monitor?
These use a red light that can detect the amount of red blood cells that are carrying Oxygen around the body. The censor is usually attached to the babies foot or hand. It is important to monitor the Oxygen as either too much or too little can cause problems now and later on in life.
Resusitare.
These are an essential first part of the babies life where immediate treatment can be given. These are normally kept ready on the labour wards.
Syringe Drivers.
These machines can administer any liquid to the baby at a programmed rate. It maybe drugs fluid or liquid food.
Transport Incubators.
These are used and are fully functional as a normal incubator you would find in a special care unit. But if a baby needs to go to another hospital then these provide the same amount of care.
Umbilical Catheter Sensors.
These go into the babies "belly button" and can be used to give drugs treatment etc and also take blood samples. Remember some babies are so small it is hard to find a vain or artery.
Head Boxes Nasal Prongs and the like.
Normal air is about 24% oxygen. How ever some babies need more oxygen than this which can be delivered by either NCAP (forced air through the nose) Nasal Prongs or "Head Boxes" these keep the concentration of the oxygen to the level that is needed.
Oxygen Analyzer
This device is placed near the baby and monitors the level of oxygen near to the baby. Some versions can also be into the tubes etc feeding oxygen to the baby.
Why is a Humidifier Used to keep the air damp?
Oxygen can dry the babies nose out and there is a need to keep the nose moist. The humidifier helps the natural process that is done by our noses.
Why does my baby need a ventilator?
Some premature babies cannot breath on their own or need help to breath. These can deliver oxygen and air at the same time. Normally these machines can monitor the babies natural breathing and then force the baby to breath when needed. There is a vast range of these.
Positive pressure ventilator.
These are used to help support the babies breathing and there are various models about. These can be just "forced" air at a very low rate so that the babies lungs open properly.
I hope that this page helps with some of the terms. We have tried to explain them in words that we understand and have added comments as well. In all cases please make sure that you ask some one who is qualified to answer your questions.