Get to Know NICU, a Special ICU Room for Babies

Has been reviewed by Faida Nursaeni, S. Kep . Ns (SPV NICU RS Premier Surabaya)

Childbirth is a happy and exciting moment. After months, you and your partner can finally meet your baby for the first time. Unfortunately sometimes unexpected things can happen.

For example, when a baby is born it turns out to have problems, so it requires special care in the NICU. However, what exactly is a NICU? Here's a further discussion!

Get to Know What NICU is?

NICU or neonatal intensive care unit is an intensive care area resembling intensive care unit (ICU) is only specifically for babies. Just as the ICU is equipped with various supporting medical equipment for intensive care, the NICU also has it. Such as incubators, light therapy equipment, oxygen, feeding tubes, ventilators, and various other medical equipment.

When Does a Baby Need a NICU?

Not all babies need the NICU after birth and the NICU is not always used for truly newborn babies. There are several conditions in which babies who are several months old must receive intensive care in the NICU.

Here are some conditions that cause a baby to need to be in the NICU:

1. The baby was born prematurely. Babies born at less than 37 weeks' gestation.
2. Babies are born with low birth weight. One hour after the baby is born, its weight will be weighed and if it is less than 2.5 kg, it is classified as a low-weight baby.
3. Twin babies. Twins, especially if there are more than two, are often born prematurely or have a low birth weight.
4. Congenital abnormalities. There are health problems that occur in the baby, such as problems with one of the organs, shortness of breath, or an infection.
5. Yellow baby. The baby's eyes and skin look yellowish. Generally occurs in newborns or several days old, due to infection, lack of fluids, and premature birth.
6. Problems during Childbirth. A entangled umbilical cord, changes in organ systems due to lack of oxygen during delivery, and a breech birth can also cause the baby to require treatment in the NICU.

How to Care for a Baby in the NICU?

Babies treated in the NICU will be handled by a combined medical team from various fields to ensure the baby gets the right care. While being treated in the NICU, of course you as a parent feel worried. However, can parents visit and hold a baby who is being cared for in the NICU?

Don't worry, even though you are in intensive care, you can visit your baby by paying attention to these things:

• Hospital regulations

Each hospital has different policies regarding visits to the NICU room. The reason is because the NICU room needs to be kept sterile. Even if you are allowed to enter, you may have to wear the clothing and mask provided, and wash your hands before entering the NICU room.

• Make physical contact

Babies born prematurely are very sensitive to touch. Forcing to hold him can even make the baby feel stressed. However, you can still make physical contact through gentle touches. For example, by holding your finger close to the baby's palm, or gently stroking his head. However, make sure you have permission before doing so.

• Breast-feed

Want to give exclusive breast milk to your baby? It's not a problem even if the baby is in the NICU. It's just that, maybe you can't give it directly. You can pump your breast milk and then give it to the nurse. You can also consult the nurse and doctor who handles your baby about the best way to give him breast milk.

Not all hospitals have a NICU. In some hospitals that do not have them, babies will be immediately transferred to hospitals that provide NICU facilities when needed. However, this method is still risky, so it is recommended that if based on the doctor's examination it is estimated that the baby will need a NICU after delivery, it is better to give birth in a hospital that provides a NICU.

Premier Hospital Surabaya have facilities intensive care complete. Not only the ICU, but also the NICU and various services intensive care others, like Intensive Cardiac Care Unit (ICCU), High Care Unit (HCU). 

Service intensive care Premier Surabaya Hospital is also equipped with a variety of complete medical equipment and is supported by an experienced medical team, in order to provide the best care for patients. This is proven by the success of Premier Surabaya Hospital in treating various difficult cases, such as congenital abnormalities and babies whose weight is too low, under 1 kg.

Contact Us

For information and to make appointment