Fortunately, for these babies, special care is available. The NICU combines advanced technology and trained health professionals to provide specialized care for the tiniest patients. NICUs may also have intermediate or continuing care areas for babies who are not as sick, but need specialized nursing care. Some hospitals do not have personnel or an NICU and babies may need to be transferred to another hospital. Having a sick baby can be distressing.
Few parents expect complications of pregnancy or their baby to be sick or premature.
It is quite natural for parents to have many different emotions as they try to cope with the difficulties of a sick baby. However, it is reassuring that today s advanced technology is helping sick babies get better and go home sooner than ever before. Further, it helps to know that although separation from a baby is painful, it does not harm the relationship between mother and baby. Click here to view the Online Resources page of this Web. Copyright 2000 Lucile Packard Children's Hospital.