Nothing can be more magical and joyful for a couple than to welcome their newborn into this world. But sometimes, it isn’t a smooth journey. What if your newborn is delivered prematurely, has low birth weight, or is diagnosed with a health complication? What if he needs to be shifted to NICU for immediate neonatal care? It can turn your initial joy of welcoming your baby into worry and uncertainty. 

No parents would want to see their newborn baby in the NICU. Understandably, the experience can be overwhelming, but the active involvement of parents in neonatal care can significantly improve the outcomes for babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). As parents, you can provide emotional, physical, and developmental support to your baby, ensuring he or she feels connected and loved during this critical period.

Read on to explore why parental involvement is crucial in neonatal care.

What’s Meant by Neonatal Care?

Neonatal care refers to the medical attention and support provided to newborns, particularly in the first four weeks of life. Babies who are born early, babies whose weight is low or babies who are sick will need specialised care. This is typically administered in an area called the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Here trained professionals will provide the specialised care that the babies need and monitor their health status continuously, watch for signs of deterioration if any and intervene early to ensure that babies get better and can leave the hospital as soon as possible. 

Babies born very early ( e.g. less than 32 weeks of age), babies who are very low birthweight ( for e.g. less than 1500 gms) or babies who are very sick, ( eg. Ventilated babies, or babies with some congenital abnormalities, like congenital heart disease) are looked after in the Neonatal Intensive Care unit ( NICU).

Neonatal care in the hospital can be divided into four levels based on the level of support that the baby requires. The table below gives the details of the levels of care  

Intensive care | Babies born very early ( e.g. less than 32 weeks of age), babies who are very low birth weight ( for e.g. less than 1500 gms) or babies who are very sick, ( eg. Ventilated babies, or babies with some congenital abnormalities, like congenital heart disease) are looked after in the neonatal Intensive Care unit ( NICU).
High dependency care | This area provides care for babies who are not sick enough to be admitted to the NICU, or who previously were in the NICU and are recovering now but still need to be closely monitored and require treatment like some breathing support, intravenous medication etc.
Low dependency  | This is the area where babies who are stable, but are not ready to be discharged, stay. These babies are typically feeders and growers.
Transitional care  | Here babies are usually roomed in with their mothers, with minimal intervention from the neonatal nurses.

When Does a Newborn Need Neonatal Care?

Wondering when your newborn could need neonatal care? Newborn babies usually need neonatal care due to the following complications:

Premature Birth | Is your baby born before 36 weeks? In such a case, they might need extra care as their systems might not be fully developed.
Low Birth Weight | Does your infant weigh less than 5.5 pounds? If so, it isn’t a 2500 gms weight for newborn babies, and they might face difficulties regulating body temperature, breathing, and feeding. 
Birth Complications | Any complications during birth, such as a lack of oxygen, can necessitate essential newborn care.
Respiratory Issues | If your infant is diagnosed with conditions like respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) or apnea as soon as He is born. This might require specialised support for breathing.
Infections or Jaundice | Babies with infections, jaundice, or other medical conditions might also need to stay in the NICU for some time.

The Importance of Parental Involvement in Neonatal Care

Did your doctor inform you that your newborn baby needs immediate neonatal care? You are disheartened after hearing the doctor’s words! However, both parents' active involvement in neonatal care, especially during NICU stays, is found to improve the infant’s development and speed up recovery. 

So, how can parental involvement improve the outcomes of neonatal care? Here’s how:

• Bonding and Emotional Support

Is your baby placed in the NICU immediately after his birth for better development? You didn’t get much time to develop bonding with your child?

Being physically present around your baby, talking to him, and providing gentle touch during this tough period can comfort and calm him, improving his emotional well-being. In addition, if your doctor allows, you should make skin-to-skin contact with your baby as it can help regulate his heart rate and breathing, promoting a sense of security.

• Better Developmental Outcomes

Babies who regularly interact with their parents during the neonatal care phase are reported to show better weight gain, improved feeding patterns, and quicker development. In addition, talking, singing, or reading to newborns can stimulate their brain development, helping them respond more positively to their intensive care surroundings.

• Reduced Parental Anxiety

Are you stressed or anxious to see your newborn baby in NICU, Being actively involved in the neonatal care of your newborn can also help reduce your stress and anxiety. 

Instead of feeling helpless, you should engage in your child's care through feeding, changing, or simply comforting. Doing this will make you feel more connected to your baby and empowered enough to take your baby out of this critical phase.

How Can Parents Support Neonatal Care?

Are you a first-time parent? If so, you might be unsure of what essential newborn care involves and, thus, what you should do to ensure your baby’s health. While the NICU can be intimidating, you can contribute positively to your infant's care in many ways. The following are some tips you can follow to support neonatal care:

• Learn About Your Baby’s Condition: The first thing you should do is take the time to understand your baby's medical condition and what treatments he needs to recover quickly. Don’t hold yourself back and ask all questions that come to your mind from the healthcare team. The more you know, the more you can support your child's neonatal care plan.
• Be Present and Involved: If your doctor allows, spend time with your baby whenever possible. Talk to them, sing softly, or read a book. Wondering your baby is too small! Will he understand what you are saying to him? Although your baby is too small to respond, your voice can comfort and reassure him.
• Practice Kangaroo Care: As discussed above, skin-to-skin contact is a powerful way to bond with your baby. Holding your newborn baby close to your chest will provide him with much-needed comfort while helping regulate his body temperature and breathing. Doing this will lead to quicker weight gain, and your baby can come out of the neonatal intensive care unit relatively faster.
• Participate in Caregiving Tasks: Usually, nurses are assigned the responsibility of caregiving tasks when newborns are placed in the NICU. However, parents should take part in caregiving tasks like feeding, diapering, and soothing whenever possible. It will help their baby become familiar with their touch and presence, promoting a sense of attachment and safety.
• Practice Breastfeeding: If possible, try to breastfeed your child during the neonatal care phase, as it can offer numerous health benefits for newborns.  Breast milk contains many essential nutrients that can support your infant’s growth and immunity, helping them heal faster from medical complications.
• Take Care of Yourself: Being involved actively in newborn care, especially if your baby suffers from a severe health condition, can be physically and emotionally draining. While caring for your baby, you should also focus on self-care, get adequate rest, and seek support from family, friends, or counselling services. If you are healthy and well-rested, you can care for your child better.

Final Words

The neonatal care period, especially when your newborn baby is suffering from a serious medical ailment, can be hurtful. But, being actively involved in your newborn's care can provide him the comfort, emotional stability, and support to overcome this critical neonatal phase. 

Are you seeking neonatal guidance? Reach out to the Neonatal Team at Medanta to learn how you can take better care of your newborn for optimal growth and health.