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 [...]
Keagan and Aspiration
June 14, 2010 By 2 Comments
This story was thoughtfully shared by one of our readers. “My beautiful daughter was born on 9/25/09 at 28 weeks. Her delivery only lasted about 25 minutes, leaving both her father and I completely stunned. Keagan did fabulously well in the beginning; she was on room air, gaining weight consistently, and responding to stimulus around [...]
My Visit to the NICU
June 4, 2010 By 3 Comments
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?
May 21, 2010 By 3 Comments
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
May 17, 2010 By 6 Comments
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
May 13, 2010 By 8 Comments
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 [...]
Feeling Sorry
April 19, 2010 By 10 Comments
I spent most of the day, every day, with my preemie while she was in the NICU. I arrived at the NICU around 8:00 am and I left around 5:00 or 6:00 pm. I always felt sorry for all of the other babies, because I rarely saw other parents visiting. I hoped that their parents [...]
In the NICU too long when…
April 6, 2010 By 6 Comments
Just for fun, let’s see how many ideas we can come up with! I’ll start: You know you’ve been in the NICU too long when… You can identify every alarm when it goes off and you know what it’s for. You’re allowed to adjust your baby’s oxygen when she starts to desat. You’re perfectly comfortable [...]
The Snoedel
March 8, 2010 By 4 Comments
I’ve just been introduced to a unique product called a Snoedel, pronounced “snoodle”. The name is of Dutch origin meaning “snuggle”, and it is a small fabric doll/blanket that provides aromatherapy for babies. According to it’s purpose, it’s recommended for babies in the NICU because the doll can be infused with the mother’s scent and [...]
Due Date Come and Gone?
March 5, 2010 By 16 Comments
So, my 27-weeker preemie was in the NICU past her due date, which the nurses had told me was a bit unusual. From the day we arrived at the NICU I received encouragement that my baby would be home before her due date, because most preemies were. I never lost hope of that, which is [...]
