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Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Dhakuria

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Best Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Dhakuria

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, abbreviated as NICU, delivers sophisticated and comprehensive treatment for neonatal patients who are born prematurely or diagnosed with diseases that endanger the life of the infant. Before birth, babies rely on mothers for breathing, nutrition, waste elimination, and immune protection. The baby's body system has to adapt independently after birth to perform these functions. However, in cases of pre-term babies or due to complicated delivery, the bodies of preterm neonates may face various challenges in performing them. The NICU thus acknowledges the needs of neonates by employing a multidisciplinary and all-encompassing approach, ensuring personalised medical attention and treatment plans that cater to the specific needs of each child. 

The Paediatric and Child Care Department at Manipal Hospitals, Dhakuria, West Bengal, comprises highly dedicated specialists and support staff, including nurses and technicians, to offer individualised and tailored care for infants. Dedicated as a separate unit, the NICU provides round-the-clock care and assistance for both mothers and neonates. Moreover, the NICU is equipped with advanced technologies and equipment that provide vital support, enhancing the chances of survival and recovery for pre-term infants.

FAQ's

Your baby might require NICU care if:

  • The baby is born prematurely, i.e, at a gestational age of less than 37 weeks or more than 42 weeks

  • The baby has a low birth weight

  • Diagnosed with certain birth defects, respiratory diseases, or infections such as herpes or chlamydia

  • The baby requires oxygen supplementation, IV therapy, blood transfusion or other treatment procedures

  • The mother encounters delivering complications, such as abnormal delivery position during conception, caesarean delivery, nuchal cord, or when babies pass their first stool into the amniotic fluid, causing respiratory problems. 

  • Maternal factors such as age, co-morbidities like diabetes or hypertension, drug abuse, bleeding and multiple pregnancies

The NICU has several pieces of equipment to ensure the health of your baby, some of which include:

  • Incubators, which are small beds that help regulate the baby's temperature and create an environment for babies

  • Infant warmers, which are small beds with heaters to maintain body temperature

  • Monitor, which serves to track vital signs of the body, some of which consist of chest leads, pulse oximetry, blood pressure cuffs, electrocardiography (ECG), and temperature probe

  • Feeding tubes are used for babies who are unable to gain necessary nutrition through breastfeeding

  • Intravenous catheters and lines, intended for the administration of medicines or fluids

  • Ventilators that serve as a breathing support for babies. An oxygen hood or nasal cannula is employed for those who do not require ventilators

The duration of your baby’s stay in the NICU depends on the severity of their health condition. Babies with less severe problems and those who respond well to therapy are discharged within days. However, those with significant medical assistance may require longer stays, ranging from weeks to months. Our specialists will let you know the expected stay duration of your child in the NICU and will ensure the necessary care for your baby.

Yes, you can hold and be with your baby who is in the NICU, depending on your baby’s health. Touching can be stressful for some premature infants, and therefore you will be advised to limit physical touch. However, you can spend time with your baby. You will be provided with instructions on how to take care of your baby, including checking your baby’s temperature, changing diapers, bathing, feeding, and cuddling. Our nurses may suggest ‘kangaroo care’ or skin-to-skin contact, which helps in the regulation of the body temperature of the baby, improved breastfeeding, as well as stabilised breathing and heart rate. Nevertheless, they might not be suitable for all babies.

You can communicate with our NICU staff by sharing any worries or asking questions related to your baby’s progress and condition. Moreover, let our NICU staff know about your concerns if you notice any changes in the baby’s health or behaviour. Our staff will teach you how to perform basic care tasks, ensuring you feel confident and prepared to support your baby. Additionally, it is essential to utilise any communication tools put forth by specialists or NICU staff, such as family meetings or daily rounds, to address any concerns. By having effective communication with NICU staff, you will be able to participate in your baby’s care and have a collaborative relationship with our healthcare team.

The NICU staff performs an extensive evaluation before your baby's discharge to make sure they are stable and prepared to go home. You will be given specific instructions regarding basic care, including the administration of medicines, feeding, and bathing. If your baby has a tracheostomy or gastrotomy tube, our specialists or NICU staff will teach you how to use and care for the equipment. You will also be taught how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if your baby has any heart or respiratory-related conditions. A discharge summary will be issued along with follow-up instructions you should adhere to at home to enhance your baby’s recovery. Additionally, follow-up appointments will be scheduled by our specialists to monitor your baby’s progress.

Some NICU babies may experience long-term health issues, depending on their initial condition and medical history. Regular follow-up care and early intervention programs can help address and manage these issues, ensuring their overall health.

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