Neonatal unit

A birth is considered “premature” before 37 weeks gestation. It is estimated that up to 45% of twins are born before that week. This also means that many twins start life in the neonatal unit.

What can you expect when your babies are hospitalised in the NICU?
Becoming a parent is a great and emotional experience, but for some parents it can be a challenging time if their newborn needs extra care and needs to be hospitalised in the NICU.

The NICU specialises in caring for premature or sick newborns, and while it may seem daunting, it’s important to know that your baby is receiving the best possible care and treatment.

But what can you really expect when your babies are hospitalised here? In this blog post, we’ll give you an introduction to the NICU and guide you through what happens during hospitalisation.

What is a neonatal unit?
The neonatal unit is a specialised unit in the hospital where premature or sick newborns receive intensive care. Babies admitted here may need extra support due to low birth weight, breathing difficulties, infections or other health challenges.

The unit is staffed by a team of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals who specialise in the needs of newborns.

Why are babies admitted to the NICU?
There are several reasons why a baby may need to be admitted to the NICU. Some of the most common reasons include:

  • Premature birth: Babies born before 37 weeks often need extra care to support their development as their organs may not be fully developed.
  • Low birth weight: Some babies are born weighing less than 2.5kg and require monitoring to ensure they are getting enough nutrition and energy to grow.
  • Breathing problems: Babies may have difficulty breathing on their own, especially if they are born prematurely. They may be helped by a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine or in some cases a ventilator.
  • Infections or other medical conditions: Babies can develop infections that require treatment with antibiotics or they may have congenital conditions that require monitoring and care.

What can you expect when your babies are hospitalised?
When your babies are hospitalised in the NICU, the experience will vary depending on why they are there and what treatment they need. Here are some things you can expect:

1. Monitoring and equipment
Babies in the NICU are often closely monitored with advanced equipment. It can be overwhelming to see your babies hooked up to monitors, wires and perhaps an incubator, but it’s all necessary to ensure they get the right care. Monitors often measure:

  • Heart rate
  • Respiration (breathing)
  • Oxygen saturation
  • Blood pressure

If your babies are in an incubator, this helps to regulate temperature, as premature babies have difficulty keeping warm on their own.

2. individualised care
Each baby in the NICU receives an individualised care plan. Healthcare professionals will keep you informed about how your babies are doing and what the next phase of care entails.

If your babies need help breathing, they may be given oxygen or connected to a ventilator. If there are problems absorbing nutrients, your babies may be fed through a feeding tube.

3. Skin-to-skin contact (Kangaroo method)
Even if your babies are in the NICU, the staff will encourage you to have as much contact with your babies as possible. One of the most effective ways to strengthen the bond and help with babies’ development is skin-to-skin contact, also known as the kangaroo method.

This involves holding your babies close to your skin, which can help regulate their temperature, stabilise heart rate and promote breastfeeding.

4. Breastfeeding and nutrition
It’s not always possible for babies in the NICU to breastfeed right away. Many premature babies need to receive milk through a feeding tube until they are strong enough to breastfeed or take a bottle.

Healthcare professionals will support you in pumping milk for your babies so they can get the nutrition they need. If breast milk is not an option, your babies will be given special formula adapted to their needs.

5. The role of parents
As a parent, you play a pivotal role in your babies’ care, even if they are hospitalised. The nurses will guide you on how you can be involved in their care – from changing nappies, cleaning them, helping with feeding tubes and how best to hold them.

Although the situation can be stressful, it’s important that you know you’re part of the team around your babies.

6. fluctuations in progress
It’s normal for babies in the NICU to have good days and days when they need a little more support. It can be an emotional rollercoaster ride where your baby might make great progress one day, but then need extra monitoring the next.

This is completely normal and the staff will constantly assess your baby’s needs and adapt the care accordingly.

Emotional challenges
Having your baby in the NICU can be an emotionally challenging time. Many parents experience feelings of anxiety, fear, guilt and powerlessness. It’s important to talk openly about these feelings with healthcare professionals, family or friends.

Many hospitals also offer support from psychologists or social workers who can help you through this time.

When can your babies go home?
Discharge from the NICU depends on your babies’ condition and development. Premature babies often need to be able to breathe on their own, gain weight and be stable before they can be discharged. Healthcare professionals will constantly inform you how close your baby is to being ready to go home and what steps need to be taken.

In some cases, you may be discharged to THO (early home hospitalisation), which allows you to continue caring for your babies at home.

Final thoughts
While hospitalisation in the NICU can be a challenging time for parents, it’s important to remember that your babies are in good hands. The NICU is staffed with specialised professionals working to provide your babies with the best care and support. It can be an emotional time, but you are not alone. The healthcare professionals are there to help both you and your babies through this process. Many twins who start life in the NICU do well and grow up to be healthy babies.

Have you had your twins hospitalised in the NICU? Share your experience in the comments section so other parents can get support and knowledge during this time.