It takes a village. Literally.

http://www.archildrens.org

There are usually at least 1 pair of 17 different medical professionals who are all assigned to just one of those tiny tots.  Each of these people have the same goal- providing the best possible medical care to save that baby’s life. There are the specially trained doctors, known as neonatologists, nurses , respiratory therapists who make sure the babies are breathing well and many many others. Even dietitians play a part on the medical team, making sure the baby is getting all the vitamins he needs to grow and ultimately go home. According to the marchofdimes.com, there are technicians who do  x-rays and run test in the lab to help find specific diagnosis. Occupational therapists help determine whether babies are eating well and their sucking reflexes are appropriate, it they aren't, the teach the baby how to eat on their own using different techniques and exercises. Social workers too can be found in a NICU serving as an advocate for both the families and the hospital. All these people have special training in dealing with premature babies, which is a requirement for professionals in the NICU.

When looking  for a baby in the nicu , you will usually find them located inside of an incubator. The incubator has a wide variety of settings that allow them to become a simulation of what the conditions of the womb would be for the babies if they were still in utero like they were supposed to be. Some have blue lights with droplets of water all in the inside of them, the dark humid conditions , may be necessary for a baby with skin that is still developing and is therefore very sensitive to bright light and dry air. Other babies may have a light that follows the schedule of the sun to help establish a healthy circadian rhythm. Different brightness and temperatures caused by light depends on the goal trying to be reached and the specific condition of the baby. In my next post, we will continue with common illness in the NICU and how it is treated.