Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

A special care nursery for newborn infants with severe medical complications, who can't get the intense kind of care they need in a normal newborn nursery. They are cared for by doctors (neonatologists) and nurses with specialty training in caring for these infants. Walking into one of these units can seem frightening because the babies are usually very small, in isolettes or warming beds, and there are often machines, monitors, and tubes about the bedside. Many parents feel detached from their infants in this situation; however, parents can help nurses with feedings, holding or just touching the child can baths, and diaper changes. Talking to, help parents stay involved in the care of their child and comfort their baby as well.