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Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Kolkata

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Kolkata

The Paediatric and Child Care Department at Manipal Hospitals in Mukundapur, Kolkata, offers a state-of-the-art Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), dedicated to providing specialised care for newborns facing critical health challenges. Our NICU is equipped with the latest medical technology and staffed by a team of skilled neonatologists, nurses, and support staff who are experts in managing complex conditions in premature and critically ill infants.

We provide comprehensive care for a variety of neonatal problems in our NICU, such as infections, congenital disorders, and respiratory challenges. In addition to cutting-edge therapies including specialised respiratory support, intravenous nutrition, and customised medical interventions, our facility offers round-the-clock monitoring. Our primary goal is to establish a nurturing atmosphere for newborns and their families, ensuring compassionate treatment and efficient communication through the course of therapy. As the best Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Kolkata, we aim to provide the best care possible to every infant to promote their growth and support families during challenging times.

FAQ's

A Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, or NICU, is a specialised medical facility that provides 24-hour treatment to neonates with severe medical issues. It is a hospital nursery that provides 24-hour care for unwell or premature newborns. It features healthcare facilities that provide specialised training to ensure your infant receives the best care possible. 
 

The majority of newborns admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are either low birth weight (less than 5.5 pounds), preterm (born before 37 weeks of pregnancy), or have a medical condition requiring specialised care. The NICU also cares for babies with health issues such as breathing difficulties, heart problems, infections, or birth deformities.
Several factors can put a newborn at high risk and increase the likelihood of NICU admission. However, each newborn must be evaluated to determine if NICU care is needed. High-risk factors include:

Maternal variables include: 

  • Being younger than 16 or older than 40

  • Drug or alcohol use 

  • Diabetes

  • High blood pressure (hypertension)

  • Bleeding

  • Sexually transmitted illness 

  • Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, and more) 

  • Too little or too much amniotic fluid

  • Premature membrane rupture (also known as the amniotic sac or bag of water) 

Delivery considerations include:

  • Changes in a baby's organ systems caused by a lack of oxygen (foetal distress or birth asphyxia) 

  • Breech delivery or other atypical positions

  • During pregnancy, the infant passes his or her first stool (meconium) into the amniotic fluid

Parents find it difficult to have a baby in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Parents play an important role in their baby's growth during this time. The list below describes some of the ways to support your infant during their stay: 

  • To communicate via touch, such as skin-to-skin contact, also known as kangaroo care. 

  • Kangaroo care has proven beneficial to preterm infants. Pulling your infant gently to your chest helps them bond.

  • Be an advocate for your infant; making soft sounds can be soothing. 

  • Bring familiar items, such as tiny toys and swaddles. 

  • Even during difficult circumstances, maintain your routine and make connections. 

This is dependent on your baby's health status. NICU stays might range from a few days to several months. Your child's care team will decide when your infant is healthy enough to flourish without specialised care. Don't compare your baby's progress to that of other babies. Your NICU baby is on her journey, and her stay will be unique to her. 
 

Some of the professionally qualified healthcare providers who might care for your infant are: 

  • Neonatologist: This is a paediatrician who has further training in the care of ill and premature infants. The neonatologist (also known as the attending physician) supervises paediatric fellows and residents, nurse practitioners, and nurses who care for infants in the NICU. 

  • Neonatal fellow: This is a paediatrician receiving further training in the care of ill and premature infants. They may perform operations and manage your child's care. 

  • A paediatric resident: This is a healthcare provider who is receiving further training in the care of children. They may perform or assist in procedures and guide your child's care.

  • Neonatal nurse practitioner: This is a registered nurse with additional training in the care of newborns. They can perform operations and guide your child's care. 

  • Registered nurses (RNs): RNs provide 24-hour care for your newborn. They closely monitor for changes and administer medications. They can show you how to participate in your baby's care. 

  • A respiratory therapist: This is a person with specialised training in providing respiratory support. This includes operating breathing equipment and supplying oxygen.

A NICU, as opposed to a regular nursery, is staffed by specially trained healthcare experts and has state-of-the-art equipment to address complex and critical medical issues. To assist and monitor the health of preterm or sick babies, the NICU is equipped with advanced monitoring technology, incubators, and other medical equipment.
 

Your infant will get complete medical treatment in the NICU, which can involve:
Support for the respiratory system: Oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, etc.

  • Nutritional support: To guarantee appropriate growth and development, this may involve intravenous feeding or specialised formulas.

  • Monitoring: Constantly keeping an eye on breathing, heart rate, and oxygen saturation levels.

  • Medication: The administration of drugs for a range of conditions as required.

  • Specialised therapies: For disorders such as congenital anomalies, infections, or jaundice.