The American Academy of Pediatrics - Understanding the NICU: What Parents of Preemies and other Hospitalized Newborns Need to Know

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For additional parenting resources, visit the HealthyChildren bookstore at shop.aap.org/for-parents.

This book is also available in Spanish.

American Academy of Pediatrics Publishing Staff

Mark Grimes, Director, Department of Publishing

Kathryn Sparks, Manager, Consumer Publishing

Holly Kaminski, Editor, Consumer Publishing

Shannan Martin, Production Manager, Consumer Publications

Jason Crase, Manager, Editorial Services

Linda Diamond, Manager, Art Direction and Production

Mary Lou White, Director, Department of Marketing and Sales

Sara Hoerdeman, Marketing Manager, Consumer Products

About the American Academy of Pediatrics

The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 66,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists, and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety, and well-being of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.

Published by the American Academy of Pediatrics

141 Northwest Point Blvd

Elk Grove Village, IL 60007-1019

Telephone: 847/434-4000

Fax: 847/434-8000

www.aap.org

The information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.

Statements and opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Listing of resources does not imply an endorsement by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The AAP is not responsible for the content of external resources. Information was current at the time of publication.

Brand names are furnished for identification purposes only. No endorsement of the manufacturers or products mentioned is implied.

This publication has been developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics. The contributors are expert authorities in the field of pediatrics. No commercial involvement of any kind has been solicited or accepted in development of the content of this publication. Disclosure: David Loren has equity interest (stock) in the following companies: Abbott Laboratories, Abbvie Inc, Bristol Myers Squibb Co, The Cooper Companies Inc, Johnson & Johnson, Varian Medical Systems, Medtronic, Novo-Nordisk, Stryker Corp, and Teva Pharmaceutical.

Except where noted, the photographs in this publication were provided by families as a visual representation of their personal NICU experiences and do not necessarily depict American Academy of Pediatrics policy. Every effort is made to keep Understanding the NICU consistent with the most recent advice and information available from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The publishers have made every effort to trace the copyright holders for borrowed material. If they have inadvertently overlooked any, they will be pleased to make the necessary arrangements at the first opportunity.

Special discounts are available for bulk purchases of this publication. E-mail our Special Sales Department at for more information.

2017 American Academy of Pediatrics

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meanselectronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwisewithout prior permission from the publisher (locate title at ).

9-373 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

CB0098

eBook: 978-1-61002-093-0

Cover photography by Gigi ODea, memoryportraitsbygigi.com. Used by permission.

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015960373

What People Are Saying

Once again, Jeanette Zaichkin has demonstrated her gift for empathizing with and educating the parents of a premature or sick baby in the NICU.

Over the past several decades, neonatology has evolved from a relatively primitive subspecialty of pediatrics to a well-evidenced science on its own, involving highly technical equipment and medical interventions that can create seeming miracles when viewed from a distance. However, the neonatal intensive care unit can be frightening, confusing, and often an overwhelming experience for the parents of a critically ill newly born baby. In many cases, this temporary home has been thrust on parents without warning, at a time when they had been looking forward to a beautiful, intimate, and very personal event for their family. Jeanette and her colleagues have written an articulate, sensitive, empathetic, and very accurate book that will help pave the way for parents as they and their newborn find themselves living in the NICU for weeks and often even months.

Jeanettes book gives parents the tools to become better informed during this scary time. The book untangles medical terminology and hospital procedures that are often frightening for a parent. Jeanette explains the multiple roles of hospital staff involved in their babys care. She includes family stories and direct quotes, allowing the reader to feel less alone in a time of crisis. Feelings of powerlessness and helplessness are often overwhelming emotions, making it difficult for parents to bond with and comfort their baby. The book acknowledges these frustrations, encourages parents to ask thoughtful questions, worry less, and therefore to become more involved with their babys care.