Neonatology

Although a pediatrician can solve most health problems of newborns, a neonatologist is trained specifically to handle the most complex and high-risk situations.  

If your newborn is premature or has a serious illness, injury or birth defect, a neonatologist will assist at the time of delivery and in the subsequent care of your newborn. If a problem is identified before your baby is born, a neonatologist may become involved to consult with your obstetrician in your baby’s care during pregnancy.  

There is always a neonatologist on site or on-call for consultation with the other members of the medical team. 

Fellows are doctors who have completed special training in pediatrics and are now specializing in the Neonatal Intensive Care setting. Fellows are responsible for the care of the infants under the guidance of the staff neonatologists. 

Residents are physicians who are taking specialized training in pediatrics to become pediatricians. 

On average, medical students spend one week in the NICU to learn. They are under the supervision of neonatologists, residents and fellows. They have limited patient responsibilities and are carefully supervised. 

Neonatal nursing is a specialty within the nursing profession. As a member of the team, registered nurses are essential in providing specialist knowledge and skills when caring for critically ill babies. 

Respiratory therapists work with the multidisciplinary team to help the infants with their breathing requirements. Their role includes managing ventilators and airways, and oxygen therapy. 

Pharmacists work with the team to choose the best medications for your baby. The pharmacist also provides education to staff and parents whose infant may be discharged home on medications. The NICU has a satellite pharmacy right on the unit, which facilitates the preparation and timely administration of the medications prescribed for the infants. 

Clerks are the first people to greet you as you enter the NICU. They will accompany or direct all visitors to the appropriate bedside. They perform all clerical duties for the unit such as answering telephones, booking tests and arranging for transfers and follow-up. 

Dietitians work in with the health-care team to provide the proper nutrition for the infants in the initial stage of their life.  They also establish nutritional goals up to and after discharge, and educate NICU staff and parents. 

Lactation consultants are specially trained nurses who help new mothers with breastfeeding. They provide individual counseling for breastfeeding moms throughout their journey in the NICU. In addition, she provides weekly breastfeeding clinics where Mothers and infants who have been discharged from the NICU may drop by for some breastfeeding follow-up. 

Families who have a baby in the NICU will often experience a wide range of emotional responses. Social workers in the NICU help parents through their journey by offering them assistance and emotional support. They are skilled in helping parents cope with the overwhelming experience of having a baby in the NICU. They also provide counseling and referral to community resources. 

Spiritual care practitioners, who work within the Spiritual Care Services at The Ottawa Hospital provide emotional and spiritual support to families. They assess and respond to spiritual and cultural needs and faith concerns.