Sometimes parents and babies need specialized health care. A baby may need to be admitted to the Special Care Nursery (SCN) for closer observation. If your baby needs further medical treatments, they may be moved to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), perhaps to another hospital.
Every hospital provides specific services. Sometimes this means that a baby’s birth may be at a different hospital from what was planned. It may also mean moving the parent or the baby to another hospital. If this is necessary, the doctors – together with the parents – will make the decision.
If your baby is admitted for special care, you will be able to visit as often as you want. The staff are there to help you understand how your baby is doing and how you can be a part of your baby’s care.
If your baby needs specialized care:
- Your labour support person/partner can ask to go with the baby (babies) if they are moved right after birth
- The nurses and doctors will give you as much information and support as possible. Let them know if you have any questions.
- It’s important to have skin-to-skin contact with your baby while they are in special care. The health care providers will help you do this when your baby is ready.
- Be with your baby as soon as possible. Your baby will hear and smell you. Being there will comfort him, even if you can’t hold him yet.
- Some baby’s are able to breast/chestfeed, others may need to be tube-fed to begin with. The NICU nurses will show you how to use a pump to collect milk for your baby. Pumping can help establish and maintain a good milk supply.
- Talk about your feelings with your nurse, the NICU social worker or your spiritual advisor, if you have one. The hospital may have a spiritual care advisor you can talk to. Know that you can ask for help to get through this difficult time.
A parent’s or baby’s hospital stay may be stressful for the whole family. The health care team will provide as much information and support as possible to help your family cope. If you have concerns, talk to your health care team. After your baby leaves the hospital your family’s doctor(s), public health nurses and other agencies will continue to provide support.
