Neonatal care is specialist medical care for newborn babies who are born early, are small or are unwell. It takes place in a hospital neonatal unit, staffed by doctors and nurses trained to care for newborns.
Many babies in neonatal care were born premature, which means before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Others need care because of a low birth weight, an infection, breathing problems, jaundice in newborns that needs treatment, or a difficult birth. Some babies stay only a few days, while others stay for weeks or months.
Neonatal units offer different levels of care. Special care units look after babies who need monitoring, feeding support or treatment for mild problems. High dependency care is for babies who need more support, and neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) care for the smallest and sickest babies. A baby may be moved between units as their needs change.
A neonatal unit has equipment such as incubators to keep babies warm, monitors, and machines that help with breathing. Some babies are fed through a small tube until they can breastfeed or bottle feed. Parents are usually encouraged to be involved, for example through skin-to-skin contact and helping with daily care.
Having a baby in neonatal care can be stressful and tiring for parents. Flexible hours, extra leave and understanding from managers can help. In some countries, including the UK, eligible parents have a legal right to neonatal care leave. Hospital staff can also point parents to emotional support.
Sources: NHS, MedlinePlus.
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