What is Neonatology?

Neonatology is a medical specialty that deals with the care of newborns, especially those who are premature, have low birth weight, or face medical challenges right after birth. Neonatologists are pediatricians with specialized training to care for critically ill or premature newborns.

When Does a Baby Need Neonatal Care?

Babies may require care in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for reasons such as:

• Prematurity (born before 37 weeks of gestation)
• Low birth weight (less than 2.5 kg)
• Breathing difficulties or respiratory distress
• Infections or congenital conditions
• Birth complications (e.g., delayed cry, poor muscle tone)
• Need for special feeding or temperature regulation

Facilities Available in a NICU:

• Advanced incubators for temperature and humidity control
• Mechanical ventilators and CPAP for respiratory support
• Phototherapy units for treating jaundice
• Monitors for tracking vital signs (heart rate, oxygen, blood pressure)
• Infusion pumps for precise delivery of fluids and medications
• Isolation units for infection control
• Specialized feeding techniques (tube feeding, expressed breast milk, etc.)

What Should Parents Expect?

• Daily updates from the neonatology team
• Guidance on breast milk expression and feeding support
• Opportunity to participate in the baby’s care (e.g., kangaroo care)
• Emotional and psychological support during the stay
• Education on newborn care before discharge

Post-Discharge Follow-up:

Even after discharge, some babies may require regular follow-up for:

• Growth and developmental milestones
• Nutrition and feeding assessments
• Immunizations
• Vision or hearing checks
• Management of any ongoing medical issues

If your newborn requires special care, trust the Neonatology Team at Fortis Hospital to provide comprehensive, compassionate, and expert support.