toh

“It takes a village to raise a child.”
In this respect, there are many people caring for your baby.

Neonatologists 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 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 Residents are physicians/doctors who are taking specialized training in pediatrics to become Pediatricians.

Medical Students On average, medical students spend one week in the NICU to learn. They are under the supervision of the Neonatologists, Residents and Fellows. They have limited patient responsibilities and are carefully supervised.

Registered Nurses Neonatal Nursing is a specialty within the nursing profession. As a member of the multidisciplinary team, the Registered Nurse is essential in providing specialist knowledge and skill when caring for the critically ill neonate.

Respiratory Therapists Respiratory therapists work with the multidisciplinary team to help the infants with their breathing requirements. Their role includes ventilatory management, airway management and oxygen therapy.

Pharmacists Pharmacists work collaboratively 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.

Ward Clerks The ward clerk is the first person 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 The dietitian works in collaboration with the health-care team to provide the proper nutrition for the infants in the initial stage of their life as well as establishing nutritional goals up to and after discharge. The dietitian’s role also includes education of NICU staff and parents.

Lactation Consultants The lactation consultant is a specially trained nurse who assists new mothers with the initiation of breastfeeding. She provides 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.

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

Spiritual Care Services Spiritual Care Services of TOH provide emotional and spiritual support to families. They assess and respond to spiritual and cultural needs and faith concerns.

Last updated on: November 28th, 2016