Neonatology

What can we help you with?

At the neonatology unit, your baby is constantly being watched between cares and feedings. As a parent, you are always welcome here. If you are no longer admitted to the maternity ward but your baby still has to stay in the neonatology department for a while, you can call the midwives day and night for information about your baby. Even then, as a parent you may always stay with your baby (during the day).

Our neonatology department includes two separate areas, each with a specific level of care.

Incubator unit

At the incubator unit we have three closed incubators. In the incubators lie the babies who need extra care after birth or who were born prematurely and still need to grow (up to +/- 2,200 kg). Several wires run from the "monitoring devices" to your baby. You may occasionally hear an alarm, but don't let this deter you. The midwife or doctor will be happy to explain to you why you hear all those sounds and what function all those wires and tubes have.

Heated cots

The heated cots accommodate babies with a low birth weight (between 2,200 - 2,500 kg) or those who need additional observation during the transition phase from incubator to a regular cot.

Care

As soon as the condition of your baby allows, you can help with the care and feeding.
For a baby with 8 feedings, the care and feeding hours are approximately as follows:
7.30 am - 10:30 am - 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm - 1:30 am - 4:30 am.

You can always count on the help and guidance of a midwife. To foster the relationship with your baby, frequent kangarooing is recommended. This involves wearing only a diaper and laying the baby on your bare chest or breast. This skin-to-skin contact is a moment to enjoy together with your baby.

Breastfeeding a premature infant

Breastfeeding is the best nutrition for any baby, especially for premature babies it is the most valuable nutrition. The unique composition of breast milk cannot be imitated, it is unique and specially adapted to the needs of the premature child.

Breastfeeding a premature baby often does not happen naturally, it requires patience and perseverance. Initially, your baby may not be able to drink on its own and you will have to pump the breast milk. Meanwhile, the baby will benefit from all the health benefits that breast milk has to offer. Fortunately, almost all premature infants learn to drink just fine from the breast.

Hygiene

On the ward, we place great importance on hygiene. Hospitalised babies are often very vulnerable to infections, and the germs that cause these infections are primarily found on hands.

Important rules for visiting:

Remove rings, watches, and other jewellery.
Wash and dry your hands and forearms thoroughly, then disinfect them.
If you have recently been in contact with an infectious disease, always consult the midwife or paediatrician first to determine if visiting is advisable.
Eating is not allowed on the ward; drinking is permitted (chilled water is available on the ward).
Parents should use a locker to store personal items (e.g., coats, handbags, watches, rings).
Smartphone use is not permitted to ensure the baby's peace and quiet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the visiting hours at the neonatology unit?

Parents and resident children are always welcome and may enter the room where the baby lays, provided the following guidelines:

Children up to 12 years of age must always wear a mouth mask (avoid spread of chickenpox ).
Do parents or children have cold symptoms? A mouth mask is required or ideally the visit is postponed.
Children are not allowed to hold the baby.

Grandparents are welcome every day between: 16:00h - 16:30h or 19:00h - 19.30h and may enter the room where the baby lies if they respect the following guidelines:

A maximum of 2 grandparents may visit per day, only on the day of birth an exception can be made and two grandparent pairs may visit (one pair at 16:00h and another pair at 19:00h)
Grandparents must always be accompanied by one or both parents of the baby.
Grandparents are not allowed to hold the baby.
Grandparents who have cold symptoms should postpone their visit to a later time.

When more than one baby is admitted in one room, arrangements will be made on the ward to ensure that no more than two visitors are present at the same time.

Further guidelines for everyone during the visit time at neonatology:

Do not remove the baby from the heated crib or incubator unless in consultation with the midwife.
Let the visit proceed calmly and as much as possible in silence so as not to disturb the baby's rest.
Extra attention to general hygiene and hand hygiene is very important at the neonatology department.

Why is my baby being put under a lamp (jaundice)?

In the video below, we explain (in dutch) why a newborn baby is put under a lamp. Prolonged jaundice or elevated bilirubin can present at birth. The baby will lay under a special lamp for a while. This is a treatment that is common, it does not hurt and is not something you need to worry about.