Premature babies: Everything you need to know about NICU

Do you dream of holding your newborn baby ,glowing after a smooth and complication-free birth? Sometimes the newborn baby scene we see in movies isn’t the reality experienced. Did you know that in South Africa one in seven infants are born before 37 weeks and are therefore considered premature babies? 

This episode of The Health Wrap powered by Mediclinic  is all about the Neonatal Critical Care Unit, or NICU, where our preterm bundles of joy get special care to grow strong enough to be delivered into the arms of their families. Paediatrician and neonatologist, Dr Samantha O’Ryan, joins Vanessa Pickford with stories of hope and her expert experience for expectant parents, parents of preemies, and their support networks. 

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Some notable moments:

[00:04:21] When you can call a baby premature.

[00:05:55] The anxiety around premature babies explained.

[00:07:34] Reasons why a baby may be born prematurely.

[00:09:57] Why preemie babies need intensive care and possibly prolonged hospitalisation.

[00:11:52] The special skills and qualifications that the doctors and the NICU staff need to work in this environment.

[00:13:16] A day in the life of a baby in the NICU.

[00:15:12] What parents should do while their baby’s in the NICU.

[00:16:48] When NICU babies can be held by their mothers. 

[00:17:57] How parents-to-be can prepare in the event of having a preemie baby. 

[00:19:33] Contact the Mediclinic 24/7 helpline.

[00:20:29] How to know when a baby can be discharged from the NICU.

[00:22:33] Special care at home for a preemie baby. 

[00:24:39] Medical advancements in the preemie baby field.

[00:26:25] The CPAP or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure explained. 

[00:28:04] A story of hope of a preemie survivor.

[00:30:28] What expectant mothers can do to improve their chances of a full-term healthy delivery. 

Links you should know about: 

Dr Samantha O’Ryan: https://www.mediclinic.co.za/en/corporate/doctors/6/dr-samantha-o-ryan.html

Email your suggestions & questions to [email protected]

Transcript.pdf