Parents' Guide to Neonatal ICU
A Parents' Guide to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Telephone NumbersWelcome
- About the Unit
- Congratulations
- Transfers
- Teaching Hospital
Visiting
- Brothers and Sisters in the N.I.C.U.
- When There is a Problem
- Culture and Religion
Questions
- Discharge Planning
Parent Information
Telephone Numbers
Area Code 905St. Joseph's Hospital - 522-4941
St. Joseph's Hospital Direct Dial - 522-1155
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit - ext. 3255
Social Workers - ext. 3933 or 5077
Pastoral Services Department - ext. 3263
Welcome
Welcome to the neonatal Intensive Care Unit or N.I.C.U. We are a part of St. Joseph's Hospital Newborn Family Centre. This information will help you and your family get to know us.We want you to feel part of our team in N.I.C.U.We welcome any questions and comments you have.
About the Unit
N.I.C.U. is a 20-bed, level 2 nursery. We care for babies that need special care.Our doctors and nurses are specialized in taking care of your baby's needs. Some of our babies need help with feeding, breathing and growing.
We have babies that are born at St. Joseph's Hospital and babies who have been transferred here from other hospitals.
Congratulations
This transfer means you and your baby are a step closer to going home and baby no longer requires as much intensive care nursing. As your baby feels better and can be handled more, you will be more involved in your baby's daily care.Transfers
Transfer of a baby from one hospital to another is often stressful for both baby and parents. Feeling anxious about the move is normal and very common. It may take a little while to get used to the change. We can help you with this transition. Due to the stress that some parents may feel, we have two social workers who may be able to help.You baby may need a few days to adjust to the move too. You may notice a difference in your baby's
- feeding
- sleeping
- breathing
- moods
Our Health Care Team
The members of your baby's health care team includes nurses, a pediatrician, interns, residents, social workers and YOU. As parents, you are an important part of our team. We want you to be involved in planning and giving care to your baby. Please feel free to let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
The nurses work as a team. During each shift, there is one nurse who is responsible for your baby. Usually this nurse has other babies to care for as well. As a team, other nurses in the unit will be able to help you with your baby. Your baby's nurse and a "charge nurse" are available to speak with you if you wish to discuss any concerns about your baby's care.
There are many pediatricians in the unit. These are doctors who are specialized in taking care of babies and children. Each month there is one pediatrician who is responsible for all the babies in the unit. This pediatrician sees and discusses your baby every morning with the team. Your pediatrician will speak with you as needed. If you wish to speak with the doctor at other times, please let your nurse know. We can try to reach him or her for you.
A neonatologist is a pediatrician who is an expert in the care of premature and sick newborns. A neonatologist may be part of your baby's team.Interns and residents are doctors in training. Every month, new interns and residents come to our unit to learn about caring for babies in N.I.C.U. One intern or resident will become a member of your baby's health care team.
A social worker tries to meet with all parents in the unit. Social workers provide parents with counselling and help with plans for discharge. Your social worker is a link to community resources for families who need ongoing support once baby is home. If your baby has been transferred to St. Joseph's, a social worker may talk to you before or after you come. You can ask your baby's nurse for ways to contact your social worker.
Teaching Hospital
St. Joseph's Hospital is a teaching hospital. We have many learners in all health care areas. Sometimes parents may be present during teaching rounds. The staff make every effort to maintain privacy for each family. Due to the nursery layout, sometimes this is hard. Please remember that confidentiality is everyone's responsibility.Top of Page
Caring for Your Baby in N.I.C.U.
As a parent, you have a special role. At first, many parents do not feel prepared to care for their baby in the N.I.C.U. The love and daily care that you give your baby is important to your baby's development.Please feel free to bring in personal items for your baby such as clothing and blankets. If you wish your baby to use disposable diapers, please bring in your own. Label these items. Remember, the hospital cannot be responsible for any items you bring in.
We like to decorate your baby's bed on special occasions. If you have any concerns about this, please let your baby's nurse know.
Spending quiet time alone helps you and your baby get to know each other. This can be hard to do on this unit. At time there are a lot of visitors in the rooms and the monitors can be noisy. When your baby is well enough to spend time off the monitors and out of the isolette, you will be able to spend time alone in our family lounge on the unit. Your baby's nurse may suggest this or you can ask.
All members of our health care team are here to support you in learning how to care for your baby. By the time your baby is ready to go home, we want you to feel ready also.
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Visiting
It is important for you to be with your baby and for you to get to know each other. We understand that it may be difficult to visit daily because you may live far away, lack extra money, have transportation problems or have other children at home.There are ways the team can help you so you can spend as much time as possible with your baby. We have 4 bunk rooms available to parents when their babies are close to going home. To help with your parenting, you will be asked to stay in one of these rooms with your baby for 24 to 48 hours before your baby is discharged.
Ronald McDonald House is located near McMaster Hospital for out-of-town families. Ask your baby's nurse for information.
In order to keep each family's information confidential, no parents or visitors are allowed in the nurseries from 7:00 to 8:00 in the morning and evening.
When you first come to the unit and are new to us, we will ask you to show identification. Once we get to know who you are, you will not have to do this.
Parents and visitors must sign in at the reception desk when coming in and leaving the N.I.C.U.
Parents may bring in 2 visitors at a time. To protect the babies in the unit we:
- ask you for the names of people who may visit your baby when you are not here
- ask visitors for identification when you are not with them
- permit only baby's sisters and brothers to visit
- monitor visitors for colds and flu-like signs
- expect all visitors to wash their hands and put gowns on at the entrance sinks before coming into the nursery
- expect your family and visitors to remain at your baby's bed and not visit other babies
There may be times that NO children are allowed in the nursery. This may be for infection reasons. We will let you know at the time of your baby's arrival or ask your nurse if it is OK for a brother or sister to visit.
If a parent is not feeling well or has a cold sore, talk to your baby's nurse. You can decide together the best thing to do.
Brothers and Sisters in the N.I.C.U.
If you have other children, please bring them to visit your baby. The N.I.C.U. is not a safe place for young children to play. We know it is hard for your children to visit in the N.I.C.U. for more than a few minutes at a time. Some of our parents have given these helpful hints:- Bring another adult to care for the child while you are with your baby.
- Bring a few toys for your child to play with.
- Keep visits short.
- Visit when your child is rested.
- Bring a snack for your child. Food can be eaten in the family lounge.
- Bring a video for your child. We have a TV and VCR available.
Confidentiality and Privacy
In keeping with the Health Care Act, no information about you or your baby will be given over the phone or in person to family or friends. We tell family this information can only be given to you, the parents.Parents and visitor are also asked to stay with their baby and not to visit other babies.
When There is a Problem
Sometimes you may have questions about your baby's care. We hope you will approach a person of the team that you feel comfortable with to discuss this. A charge nurse can also help you. Do not be afraid to share your opinion.Culture and Religion
St. Joseph's Hospital is a Catholic hospital. However, all faiths are recognized and respected. If you wish, please share any of your beliefs that will help us to get to know you.The Pastoral Services team consists of Chaplains who are men and women trained to be with patients, families, and staff. A member of your clergy can be contacted for you upon request.
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Keeping Your Baby Healthy
Premature babies may be born before they are ready to fight off all the germs that they may be exposed to. They are more prone to infections. Germs which may cause only a mild illness or no illness in an older child or adult, may cause a serious infection in a baby. Careful hand washing prevents the spread of germs to your baby. Wash your hands well with soap and warm water at the sinks: - each time you visit your baby and before you put a gown on
- after you sneeze or blow your nose
- after using the toilet
- after touching something that has fallen on the floor
- after changing your baby's diaper
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Questions
There is no such thing as a silly question. Take as much time as you need to discuss your concerns and questions with us. Please let us know if you do not understand something or need clarification. Make notes to remember your questions you need to ask and the answers your are given.Discharge Planning
Before you go home, we may invite you to a "discharge meeting". At this meeting, we will talk about your readiness to take care of your baby at home. Please ask your nurse abut care seat choices, rooming in, follow-up appointments.When you go home, we refer most of our families to a Public Health Nurse. It is your right to have this service. A Public Health Nurse will visit your home. They can help in such things as breastfeeding and daily baby care. They can also help with any problems that may arise at home. We will ask you if you want this service when you go home.
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For Parents, Family & Friends
 | Pastoral Care Workers and Chaplains are available in the hospital to provide spiritual and emotional support to families and patients. If you wish to meet with a Pastoral Worker or Chaplain, you may either speak with your Nurse or call he Pastoral Services Department. They can be reached at ext. 3263
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 | The hospital chapel is inside the main entrance of the hospital on the first floor. It is open 24 hours a day for everyone who wants a place for prayer and meditation. You can attend mass in the chapel Monday to Saturday at 11:45 a.m. or Sundays at 9:00 a.m
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 | An outpatient pharmacy is located on the first floor across from the gift Shop. Any prescription for your baby can be filled there. They are open Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 7:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and closed on Sunday. |
N.I.C.U.
There is a small family room on the unit where you may go for a quiet rest. Mothers use this room to breastfeed if their babies are able to be off the monitors. This room is also used by families to spend time with their baby and visitors.Maternity Unit Family Room
There is a large family room on the Maternity Unit outside of the N.I.C.U. which families and visitors may use. The babies are not allowed to leave the unit to go to this lunge.Breastfeeding Room
There is a room on the unit for you to breastfeed your baby or use the electric pump to express your milk. We supply the containers for you. Ask your Nurse or the desk receptionist. a lactation consultant to help you with breastfeeding is available at your request during the day.Bunk Rooms
You may be asked to stay with your baby overnight. Parents stay with their baby in a private room knowing that the staff are close by to help if needed. Breastfeeding mothers can stay to help babies get a good start on breastfeeding, if the room is available. It is best to book rooms ahead of time. These rooms can also be used during the day for parents to rest when available. All 4 rooms can be found on the maternity floor just outside the N.I.C.U.We know it is costly to east at the hospital, so you can bring your own food and we will save your fridge space.
Parent Education
We have some videos that you may watch on the unit. They cover topics such as breastfeeding, child safety, car seat safety, prematurity and more.Washrooms
The washrooms can be found: - close to the Maternity Unit Family Lounge
- outside the cafeteria on the second floor of the Sister Mary Grace Wing
- near the front entrance of the hospital on the first floor
Telephones
Pay telephones can be found:- on the third floor outside the Maternity Unit just before you go out to the walkway
- in the Maternity Unit Family Lounge
- outside the cafeteria on the second floor of the Sister Mary Grace Wing
- near the front entrance of the hospital on the first floor
- in the neonatal family lounge (local calls only)
Food and Drinks
The hospital cafeteria, Peppe's, is on the second floor of the Sister Mary Grace Wing. There are limited hours. Please ask your nurse for the details. There is also a coffee shop with a light food menu, near the main entrance of the hospital on the first floor. This shop is open 24 hours.Top of Page
Information Sheets For Parents
The following information is available as handout material for all parents. The information has been developed together with the Neonatal Intensive Care Service at the Children's Hospital of the Hamilton Health Sciences Corporation, McMaster site.| Apnea and Bradycardia Baby Talk Blood Transfusion Breast Feeding Breathing With a Ventilator Breathing With Oxygen Cannabis and Pregnancy Directed Blood Donation Discharge Planning Feeding Your Baby Formula Preparation Instructions Gentle Care Growth and Development (booklets) How to Gavage Feed My Baby Infection and Your Baby Intravenous | Intraventricular Hemorrhage (I.V.H.) Jaundice Kangaroo Care Learning About Your Babies Breathing Necrotizing Enterocolitis Patent Ductus Arteriosus (P.D.A.) Research and Your Baby Respiratory Distress Syndrome Retinopathy of Prematurity (R.O.P.) Seizures Surfactant Fact Sheet Vaccination Fact Sheet Vaccines Ventilators What Can I Do To Help My Baby Your Baby's Surroundings |
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