Vitamin K deficiency of the newborn
17th January 2017What is Vitamin K?Vitamin K is a vitamin, which occurs naturally in food especially in liver and some vegetables. We all need vitamin K. It helps to make blood clot in order to prevent bleeding. During early infancy when fed entirely on milk, babies have very little vitamin K. A very small number of babies suffer bleeding due to vitamin …
Read moreSucrose as pain relief for babies
20th October 2016Do babies experience pain?While your baby is here on the Trevor Mann Baby Unit / Special Care Baby Unit, it may be necessary for us to undertake various procedures, such as taking blood samples and putting in drips (cannulas). Research has shown that even premature babies are capable of experiencing pain. Therefore, we aim, as far as possible, to minimise …
Read morePatent ductus arteriosus (PDA)
20th October 2016What is the Ductus Arteriosus?The Ductus Arteriosus is a small muscular blood vessel that joins the pulmonary artery (main artery to the lungs) to the aorta (main artery to the body). This naturally occurring connection allows blood to be diverted away from the lungs whilst the baby develops in the womb, as the lungs are not needed before birth. The …
Read morenecrotising enterocolitis
20th October 2016What is Necrotising Enterocolitis (NEC)?Necrotising Enterocolitis is a condition that generally affects premature or low birth weight babies. It usually involves the terminal ileum (last part of the small intestine) and the colon (large intestine), but can affect any part of the bowel (gut) from the stomach to the rectum. NEC is a serious condition which is usually treated medically …
Read moreI’m going home
20th October 2016I’m going homeAt last the time has come to take your baby home! You may have mixed feelings, excitement and some concern. It is natural to feel like this. Please be reassured that the Neonatal team would not discharge your baby from the hospital until they are ready. You may now have lots of questions. This booklet has been designed …
Read moreHow you can help your baby during painful or stressful procedures
20th October 2016How can we reduce pain, stress and discomfort for your baby?While you baby is here on the neonatal unit, it may be necessary for the nursing and medical team to perform various procedures, such as taking blood samples or putting in drips (cannulae). Research has shown that even premature babies are capable of experiencing pain. Therefore, we aim, as far …
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