Browsing all posts in The NICU.
NG Tubes, mLs, and Feedings
When my preemie was admitted into the NICU I determined to keep a daily journal of her NICU stay. I kept track of her weight, feedings, blood work, nurse and doctor names, oxygen levels, visitors, room changes, and medical procedures. Somehow I knew that I would someday be glad I had so much detailed information [...]
Bili Lights
Most parents have heard of jaundice – when bilirubin levels are high and it causes a yellowing of the skin. Doctors will have parents put their babies in the sunlight, perhaps have them nap under a sunny window. For most full term babies a little sunlight will fix the problem. Many preemie babies are at [...]
My Visit to the NICU
I brought my preemie to visit the NICU and her primary nurse this week. We got to see one of the OTs and another nurse I knew as well, and it was quite an experience for me. This is not the first time I’ve returned to visit the NICU. I’ve been back twice before with [...]
What is a Level IV NICU?
Now, most sources I found did not describe a Level IV NICU, but I have heard a few people say their preemie was in a Level IV NICU, so I was curious. I also read somewhere that a Level IV qualification was discontinued 15-20 years ago. I guess it’s confusing to a lot of people. [...]
Level III NICU
The following is the definition of a Level III NICU according to two separate sources. It’s interesting to me that there are so many sublevels…why didn’t they just make NICU Levels IV, V, and VI? Just curious… “Level III: Subspecialty Newborn Care: Level III NICUs care for the sickest babies and offer the greatest variety [...]
Level I and Level II NICUs
Have you ever wondered what it means to be in a Level I NICU vs a Level IV NICU? I had no idea what the differences were between NICUs, so I decided to find out. A Level I NICU, or Level I Nursery is defined by two different sources as follows: 1. “Level 1 nurseries [...]
Overwhelmed at the NICU
At first I was embarrassed at my uncontrollable display of emotions, but then I decided that it didn’t matter. I was shocked and frightened at what lay before me, and I had just undergone major surgery! I just didn’t have the strength to keep my composure any longer. After my 27-weeker was life-flighted to a [...]
Nutrition Cart – Love it!
In the NICU where my baby stayed, a nutritionist would bring a cart of goodies around the unit a couple of times every day to offer to the parents. I’m pretty sure the nutrition cart saved my life! I was pumping a ton and living off of the cafeteria and vending machines, and I was [...]
