Neonatology
Plan your appointment
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 for a premature baby
Breastfeeding is the best nutrition for a baby and especially for premature babies. 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 by itself, it requires patience and perseverance. Initially, your baby may not be able to drink on his 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 from the breast just fine.
Hygiene
On the ward we give great importance to hygiene. Hospitalized babies are often very susceptible to infections. The germs that cause these infections are especially present on the hands.
Important rules when visiting:
- discard rings, watches and other jewelry
- wash and dry your hands and forearms thoroughly and disinfect them afterwards
- have you recently come into contact with an infectious disease: always consult with the midwife/pediatrician first to discuss whether a visit is appropriate at this time
- no eating is allowed on the ward, drinking is allowed (chilled water is provided on the ward)
- parents use a locker to store belongings (e.g. coat, handbag, watch, rings) in it
- smartphone use is not allowed so as not to disturb the baby's rest
