Why is my baby here?
A baby is placed in the intensive care nursery because, in the opinion of the professionals present at the birth of your baby, it is the best place for your child to be observed, treated and cared for. There are many answers to this question depending on your history and the gestational age of your baby. After your baby has been admitted and examined the team can give you a more detailed explanation of what is going on.

When can my baby come home?
Now that your baby is being cared for in the NICU, you'll be anxious to know how long they will have to stay here. The baby needs to complete the growing and developing in the nursery that they would have done in your womb. A baby is not ready to go home until he or she is consistently gaining weight, maintaining their own temperature in an open crib, has had no apnea or bradycardia (forgetting to breath and heart rate less than 100) and is able to take all feedings from breast or bottle. If your child is in the NICU for a problem other than prematurity then the length of stay is much more individualized and will be discussed with you by the team caring for your child.

Who is in charge of my baby's care?
While your baby is in the NICU, our team, consisting of a neonatologist, nurse practitioner, specialized registered nurses and therapist will manage the care of your baby. Your private pediatrician will check in with the team from time to time to get an update on the progress and plans for the baby to be transferred to his/her care.

When can I visit my baby?
Our unit is family-based meaning that we involve the family as much as possible and allow 24 hour a day visitation. It is required that parents fill out a patient visitor list. No one other than those people listed on your visitor list will be allowed in the unit. No one other than the parents however, will be allowed to hold or feed the infant unless otherwise specified by the parents. Siblings 5 and over and all other children over the age of 16 maybe permitted in the unit with an adult. Anyone who has been ill, has a cold or cold-like symptoms, or has been exposed to chickenpox within 3 weeks should not visit.

Can I touch/ hold my baby?
Most babies can tolerate the gentle pressure of your hands on them (containment) and we try to get you holding them as soon as possible. However, very ill babies require minimal stimulation and handling.

Can I call and check on my baby after my discharge home?
You can call 24 hours a day: NICU 405-949-3393. Please avoid calling between 6:45-7:45am/pm, 2:45-3:45am/pm and 10:45-11:45am/pm. Nursing staff are giving report to oncoming staff and getting to the phone is difficult. The best time to reach your baby's doctor is between 2-3pm in the NICU. Please understand that due to the current HIPAA regulations information can only be given to parents. Please ask friends and relatives not to call, but rather ask you for information.

Can I take photos/ video of my baby?
When your baby's condition permits we encourage you to take photos. Some parents even leave a onetime use camera at the bedside so that we can catch milestones as they happen. For example: tubes out, face uncovered, weights, smiles etc.

How does my baby eat?
Most babies don't eat by mouth when they are first admitted to the NICU. Depending on their gestational age and/or their condition this may last for days to several weeks. We provide them with intravenous fluids (IV's). Once your baby is capable of taking breast milk or formula it will be provided by breast, bottle or feeding tubes depending on your baby's specific needs. Typically, babies have problems coordinating sucking and swallowing with breathing before 32 weeks gestation.

What if I want to breastfeed?
Until your baby can be put to breast you will need to pump and freeze your milk. Lactation/NICU nurses are available to help you and teach you what you need to know to save your milk. When your baby is stable, we can begin Kangaroo Care, which is skin-to-skin contact. Even if your baby isn't ready to nurse, Kangaroo Care can help increase your milk production. When moms and dads begin to Kangaroo, it helps to establish family bonding. You don't have to be breastfeeding to Kangaroo your baby.

Can I bring toys or clothing for my baby?
You may want to bring one or two washable toys to place in your baby's bed. Infant receiving blankets can also be brought from home to be placed in the infant’s isolette or crib. As soon as your baby's condition permits, you may bring in clothes. Please do not bring anything that you value. Many things (medications, alcohol, beta dine, formula, etc) could be dropped on blankets or clothing and we cannot be responsible.

Do all these tubes and lines in my baby hurt him/her?
You will see that, at a minimum, each baby in the NICU will have on leads that will be attached to a heart and oxygen saturation monitor. We don't believe these cause pain to the infants although they may be annoying to the parents while you're holding the baby. The smaller or the sicker the baby, the more tubes will be involved in providing the care the baby requires. Some of these tubes depending on the placement may be uncomfortable or painful to the baby. The nurses will go over every tube and line with you and discuss questions you may have.