NICU Glossary of Terms

NICU Terms

Knowing these terms will help you understand the care your baby is receiving in the NICU:

Neonatologists: Doctors with specialized training in the care of fragile newborns, on-site around the clock. They work together with our specially trained nursing staff to provide life-saving care and high-tech monitoring until babies are stable on their own.

Antepartum:  Pre-natal (before birth) unit in the hospital where pregnant mothers are monitored around the clock to prevent preterm labor.

NICU:  Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, where premature or full term but critically ill babies are monitored and cared for.

Kangaroo Care:  Method of caring for a premature baby in which the baby is periodically held against a parent’s bare chest.

Lactation Consultant:  Health professionals trained specifically to offer breast feeding assistance and education. Typically certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners.

Pediatric Ophthalmologist:  A sub-specialty of ophthalmology concerned with diseases of the eyes in children.  

Speech Therapists: These professionals can help preemies who are struggling with latch/oral issues in breastfeeding or bottle feeding.

Physical Therapists: These professional work with preemies in matters such as positioning and strengthening.