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Neonatal Intensive Care Follow-up Clinic in Mukundapur

NICU follow up clinic

Neonatal Intensive Care Follow-up Clinic in Mukundapur


Follow-up clinics for neonates at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Mukundapur, Kolkata, offer comprehensive care for infants who need intensive care following delivery. These clinics track the developmental trajectory of premature or severely ill neonates with the goal of early detection and resolution of any health and developmental problems. Teams of paediatricians, therapists, nurses, and neonatologists are commonly employed in NICU follow-up clinics to ensure the most favourable results for patients. These teams regularly check patients' motor abilities, cognitive development, growth, and general health. They help parents with feeding, caring for their newborn, and attending to any ongoing medical issues by offering support and direction. It is crucial to have follow-up clinics to achieve enhanced treatment outcomes for NICU children. These clinics ensure that children receive appropriate treatments and interventions to overcome their initial medical challenges.
 

FAQ's

In NICU follow-up clinics, it is customary for a varied group of professionals to be present, such as paediatricians, neonatologists, specialised nurses, developmental therapists (such as occupational, physical, and speech therapists), and social workers. This team works together to provide comprehensive medical, developmental, and emotional support for newborns who have been discharged from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). 
 

The primary aim of neonatal follow-up clinics is to monitor the growth and development of the infant. Visits to a follow-up clinic are usually planned for four, eight, twelve, eighteen, twenty-four, and thirty-six months of corrected age, which is the age the baby would have been if they had been born on schedule. Babies who were born very early and those who experienced more severe difficulties might require longer periods and more frequent monitoring.

Moreover, regular follow-up appointments are conducted to promptly detect any potential issues. These visits serve as a chance to address any potential problems that may arise, as well as the long-term consequences of common injuries and complications in premature babies, which are generally anticipated. This allows for quick intervention to take place. It is widely recognised that prompt therapy and other interventions can help mitigate the long-term impacts of complications commonly observed in premature infants, especially those involving the brain.
 

  • Prematurely born babies (birth weight less than or equal to 34 weeks gestation)

  • Babies weighing less than 1,500 grams (3 pounds, 5 ounces) at birth

  • NICU babies across all weight categories and gestations have a range of issues, such as:

  • Haemorrhage within the ventricle (IVH)

  • BPD, or bronchopulmonary dysplasia

  • Severe intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR)

  • Asthma

  • Meningitis, stroke, or other neurological disorder

  • Birth defects

  • High-risk social setting

  • Newborns who are released from cardiorespiratory monitors

In NICU follow-up clinics, assessments usually comprise measures of general health, growth parameters like weight, height, and head circumference; cognitive capacities such as language development and problem-solving skills; and motor skill development such as crawling and walking milestones. Additionally, experts may evaluate feeding skills, social-emotional growth, and sensory processes. These evaluations aid in tracking the development of newborns in need of critical care, early detection of any delays in development or health issues, and customisation of interventions to promote healthy growth and development. 
 

Parents receive a variety of services at NICU follow-up clinics that are customised to meet the needs of their children. This covers instruction on feeding techniques, developmental milestones, and baby care. Clinics assist parents in identifying and resolving any medical or developmental issues their child may be experiencing. They also offer advice on how to use community resources, negotiate with the hospital system, and deal with any emotional difficulties that may come with taking care of children post-discharge from the NICU. All things considered, the goal of these clinics is to strengthen the bond between parents and their children. 
 

Usually, your child's visit will involve recording measurements and weighing them. The doctor will conduct a medical examination, and the developmental specialists will conduct a thorough assessment, usually spanning 30 to 60 minutes, of your child's neurologic, motor, cognitive, and linguistic development. You will be put in touch with other medical specialists if additional care is required. You can ask the team members any questions you may have about your child’s behaviour, growth, and well-being. 
 

There are multiple phases to getting ready for your child's follow-up clinic session in the NICU:

  • Collect all medical documents, including discharge summaries and reports from other healthcare providers.

  • Make a note of the queries or worries you would like to address with the medical staff.

  • Please take note of any updates in your child's feeding habits, health condition, or developmental growth since your last visit.

  • Ensure your child's comfort during the appointment by bringing essentials such as diapers, feeding supplies, and items to provide comfort.

  • If you need help during your visit, plan for someone to accompany you.