About Baby

Preemie mothers describe their experience with pumping to provide breast milk for their babies, and fathers discuss ways to support the mother in this process.

Dr. Barbara Wesley, a specialist in high risk pregnancies, talks about the importance of breast milk for preemies and the steps preemie mothers can take to provide this critical nutrition for their babies.

Dr. Sue Hall describes TPN and its benefits.

Dr. Sue Hall explains why milk feedings are sometimes stopped.

5 steps to help you breastfeed is a resource with steps to help moms breastfeed their baby. © March of Dimes

How do you hold your baby when you breastfeed? is a resource with illustrations of different positions a baby can be held in while breastfeeding. © March of Dimes

Breastmilk is best for your baby. Here is information on nursing your baby in the NICU and guidelines for pumping and storing milk.

Until now, your baby has been cared for in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit). You've started breastfeeding. And you are now ready to move on to full breastfeeding at home. This sheet can answer some of your questions about making this transition.

For a time, healthcare staff will care for your baby in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). There are several ways to feed babies while they're in the NICU. Here's what you need to know.

Parents choose to bottle-feed babies for many reasons. This sheet can help answer some of your questions about feeding your preemie with formula.

When your baby is in the NICU, your main concern is getting them healthy and home. That means feeding your baby and having them gain weight. But feeding babies in the NICU is quite different from feeding healthy babies. Here's what you need to know.

Feeding in the NICU is a resource with information about the many ways a baby may be fed in the NICU. © March of Dimes

Feeding your baby at home is a resource with information for families about feeding a baby once they're home, including breastfeeding, pumping, bottlefeeding, and spit up. © March of Dimes

Every parent looks forward to the day their baby will be discharged from the NICU, but having the baby home is going to present a new set of challenges for you. The more you can be mentally prepared, the easier it should be. This resource lists some realities you may face once you are home with your baby, and ways you can prepare for your baby's discharge. © TWN

Taking Care of Your Baby at Home is a resource with common thoughts and feelings NICU parents have after leaving the NICU. © March of Dimes

This brochure thanks family and friends for all of the love and support received while the baby has been in the NICU. Now that the family is coming home, they will need continued help and support. The doctors and nurses have provided information on how to keep the family and baby safe, happy and healthy, and there will be some extra precautions taken for the time being. © NICU Parent Network: Hand to Hold

Taking your baby home on medical equipment information sheet is designed to help families prepare to bring home a baby from the NICU on medical equipment. © March of Dimes

Getting ready to take your baby home from the NICU is a resource with information to help families prepare to take their baby home from the NICU, including a checklist. © March of Dimes

Everyday care is a resource with information for families about everyday life at home after the NICU, including crying and fussiness, handwashing, visiting with friends and family, and child care. © March of Dimes

Follow these special safety instructions to keep your preemie safe and healthy at home.

Your preemie's immune system needs time to develop. During this time, germs that don't make you sick at all could make the baby very sick. So you need to give your baby extra protection.

Your baby is finally ready to come home. Turn your nervous energy into positive action. Make a checklist for what you and your baby need before leaving the hospital so that you can create a safe home environment. Here's a list of items to get you started.

PDA, or patent ductus arteriosus, is one of the most common heart conditions in premature babies. Find out how this and other heart problems are treated in the NICU.

Breathing problems are common in NICU babies. NICU staff explain respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and other lung problems, and the medicines and devices used to treat them.

Dr. Vedang Londhe explains NEC, or necrotizing enterocolitis.

Dr. Sue Hall discusses the causes of and treatments for a baby going through the withdrawal process.

Dr. Mitchell Goldstein explains what causes jaundicing of the skin and how it can be treated.

Dr. Goldstein, Dr. Walker and Dr. Hall discuss common vision issues among preemies, and how those issues can be avoided and possibly treated.

Learn about preparing for and dealing with surgery if your baby needs it. This program includes information on hospital transfers, pain management, coping, and more.

Dr. Vedang Londhe explains apnea and its current treatments.

Dr. Vedang Londhe defines BPD and addresses how neonatologists are minimizing the risk of developing this disease.

Dr. Sue Hall explains GERD, which is common among premature babies.

Dr. Mitchell Goldstein explains the precautions that are taken for babies at risk for developing hypoglycemia.

Dr. Vedang Londhe explains IVH and why a baby might be at risk for developing it.

Dr. Valencia Walker defines PDA and discusses some common treatments for it.

Caring for your baby with neonatal abstinence syndrome information sheet provides support to families who have a baby with NAS. © March of Dimes

When your baby has a serious health condition is a resource with information for families with a baby who needs surgery, has syndrome or birth defect, or who was born prematurely. © March of Dimes

Preparing for your baby's medical care after the NICU is a resource with information for families to help them prepare for their baby's medical care after discharge. © March of Dimes

Your baby's medical care after the NICU is a resource with information for families about medical care after the NICU, including seeing health care providers, vaccinations, early intervention and developmental milestones. © March of Dimes

This birth defect in the spine and spinal cord happens early in pregnancy. The bones of the spine don't fully form around the spinal cord. This creates a gap where nerves push out from the spine. In severe cases, a sac holding part of the spinal cord comes out of the skin of the back.

Common health conditions treated in the NICU is a resource that includes conditions that a baby may be treated for in the NICU. © March of Dimes

This is a condition a baby is born with. It's caused by an extra bundle of genetic information, called a "chromosome," in the body's cells. Down syndrome affects the body and the brain.

This is a raised, rubbery bump on the skin. You might see it at birth, or it may form soon after a baby is born. It can be bright red or purplish, and it can be very large. Hemangiomas often develop on the face or neck, but they form on other places, too.

When a baby is in the womb, it doesn't use its lungs. The oxygen in its blood comes from its mother. Because of this, an unborn baby has a special blood vessel called the "ductus arteriosis." It connects the baby's aorta and pulmonary artery. Soon after birth, this vessel should close. But with this condition, it stays open. This can cause serious issues.

BPD is a disease in which a baby has breathing problems.

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a set of signs that can occur in a baby. It happens when a baby is exposed to drugs in the womb before birth. The baby then goes through drug withdrawal after birth.

Patent ductus arteriosis is a common congenital heart defect. It often goes away on its own. In some cases, a baby needs medicine to help it close. Surgery is an option in other cases.

Babies who are born too early (premature) often have health problems, such as apnea. Apnea is when a baby stops breathing for a bit of time (more than 15 seconds). The baby may also have a slowed heart rate and a drop in oxygen in the blood.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a lung disorder that causes breathing problems in preterm, low-birthweight babies who need breathing assistance. Over time, the damaged lungs can heal, as the baby grows new lung tissue. Read on to learn more.

IVH is a serious condition caused by bleeding (hemorrhage) in the ventricles in the days after birth

When cerebrospinal fluid backs up into the brain, it's called hydrocephalus. Learn about the procedures used to treat this condition in newborns.

Omphalocele and gastroschisis are types of birth defects. They can occur in newborns. They happen when the body structures that are meant to hold the bowel (intestines) inside the belly (abdomen) do not form in the right way during the early weeks of pregnancy.

The esophagus (food pipe) and trachea (windpipe) are 2 separate tubes. In some babies, these tubes don't form the right way during pregnancy. This can lead to tracheoesophageal fistula and esophageal atresia.

Periventricular leukomalacia is softening of brain tissue near the ventricles.

A look at the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis.

Pulmonary stenosis occurs when the pulmonary valve doesn't open all the way and blood flow to the lungs is blocked.

Aortic stenosis is when the aortic valve doesn't open all the way. reducing blood flow from the heart out to the body. It is usually a congenital heart defect.

An atrial septal defect is a hole in the dividing wall (atrial septum) between the heart's 2 upper chambers (atria). It may close on its own as your child grows. In some cases, surgical repair is needed.

A ventricular septal defect is a hole between the 2 lower heart chambers (ventricles). This is a heart defect a person is born with (congenital). It can lead to congestive heart failure.

An AV canal defect is a large hole in the center of the heart. This heart defect can usually be treated with surgery.

Tetralogy of fallot is a congenital heart defect involving 4 different heart defects. Surgery can help treat this condition.

Detailed information on surgery for your child's coarctation of the aorta.

The surgery to repair TGA is known as an arterial switch operation. It's done by a pediatric heart surgeon. The surgery lasts about 4 to 6 hours.

With hypoplastic left heart syndrome, the left side of the heart didn't develop correctly. Surgery is needed to repair this congenital heart defect. Read on to learn more.

Tricuspid valve atresia, the tricuspid valve is absent or blocked off. This affects how oxygen-rich blood is delivered to the body.

TOF is a serious heart defect, but it can be repaired with surgery. The surgery may be done when your child is 3 to 6 months old. Or it may be done when your child is 1 to 2 years old.

Coarctation of the aorta is a narrowing of the aorta. It can lead to worsening heart function over time, but effective treatments are available.

"TGA is a heart problem that involves the two main blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart. These are called the ""great arteries."""

A PDA is a heart defect affecting 2 arteries. A PDA may close on its own, without treatment. If it does not, your child may be treated with medicine, a heart procedure, or surgery.

Sometimes a baby is born with a heart problem. This is known as a congenital heart defect. The baby may seem healthy and fine. But the defect could cause a serious threat to his or her life. A test called pulse oximetry can help find if there is a problem before a baby goes home from the hospital. This can help a baby get early treatment if needed.

Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone. Congenital hypothyroidism is when the disorder is present in a baby at birth. If not treated, it can lead to serious health problems.

Coarctation of the aorta is an abnormal narrowing of the aorta. Transcatheter repair is a type of procedure that can help restore normal blood flow through the aorta.

Double outlet right ventricle (DORV) is a rare heart malformation. The problem is present from birth (congenital).

Detailed information about cardiac catheterization for coarctation of the aorta in a child.

Pulse oximetry is a simple, painless, and quick test. It can't screen for all heart defects. But it may be able to find seven types known as critical congenital heart defects.

Chronic lung disease is the general term for long-term breathing problems in premature babies. It's also called bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Here's what you need ot know about this condition.

CMV (cytomegalovirus) is a herpes virus. It is very common. It affects people of all ages and in all parts of the U.S. In most cases CMV causes mild symptoms, or no symptoms at all. But it can cause serious problems in an unborn baby or newborn.

A baby with hydrocephalus has extra fluid around the brain. This fluid is called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Too much CSF can increase the pressure in your baby's head. This causes the bones in your baby's skull to expand and separate. The baby's head may look larger than normal.

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a common problem in premature babies. It causes babies to need extra oxygen and help with breathing.

Vitamin K deficiency bleeding is a problem that occurs in some newborns. It happens during the first few days of life. This condition used to be called hemorrhagic disease of the newborn.

Hydrops fetalis is severe swelling (edema) in an unborn baby or a newborn baby. It is a life-threatening problem.

Hyperbilirubinemia happens when there is too much bilirubin in your baby's blood. Bilirubin is made by the breakdown of red blood cells. It's hard for babies to get rid of bilirubin. It can build up in their blood, tissues, and fluids.

Hypocalcemia is when a person doesn't have enough calcium in the blood. In babies, it's called neonatal hypocalcemia. Your baby can get it at different times and from different causes.

Low birth weight is a term used to describe babies who are born weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces (2,500 grams). An average newborn usually weighs about 8 pounds. A low-birth-weight baby may be healthy even though he or she is small. But a low-birth-weight baby can also have many serious health problems.

Large for gestational age is used to describe newborn babies who weigh more than the usual amount for the number of weeks of pregnancy. Babies are called large for gestational age if they weigh more than 9 in 10 babies of the same gestational age.

Meconium aspiration happens when a newborn breathes in a mixture of meconium and amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid is the liquid that surrounds the baby in the womb. Meconium is the baby's first stool, or poop, which is sticky, thick, and dark green. It is typically passed in the womb during early pregnancy and again in the first few days after birth.

Neonatal abstinence syndrome is what happens when babies are exposed to drugs in the uterus before birth. Babies can then go through drug withdrawal after birth.

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious illness in newborns. It happens when tissue in the large intestine (colon) gets inflamed. This inflammation damages and sometimes kills the tissue in your baby's colon.

The normal length of pregnancy is 37 to 41 weeks. Postmaturity is a word used to describe babies born after 42 weeks. Very few babies are born at 42 weeks or later. Other terms often used to describe these late births include post-term, postmaturity, prolonged pregnancy, and post-dates pregnancy.

Persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) happens in newborn babies. It occurs when a newborn's circulation continues to flow as it did while in the uterus. When this happens, too much blood flow bypasses the baby's lungs. This is sometimes called persistent fetal circulation.

A baby born before 37 weeks of pregnancy is considered premature or born too early. The number of premature births in the U.S. is rising. Twins and other multiples are more likely to be premature than single birth babies.

Retinopathy of prematurity is an eye problem that happens to premature babies. The retina lines the back of the eye. It receives light as it comes through the pupil. From there, the optic nerve sends signals to the brain. Retinopathy of prematurity is a problem of the blood vessels of the retina.

Small for gestational age is a term used to describe babies that are smaller than normal for the number of weeks of pregnancy. These babies have birth weight below the 10th percentile. This means they are smaller than many other babies of the same gestational age.

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden and unexplained death of a baby younger than 1 year old. SIDS is sometimes called crib death because the death may happen when a baby is sleeping in a crib. It's one of the leading causes of death in babies from ages 1 month to 1 year. Read on to learn more.

Spina bifida is a birth defect that causes problems with the spine, spinal cord, and the surrounding nerves.

Thrombocytopenia means that a newborn baby has too few platelets in their blood. Platelets are blood cells that help the blood clot. They are made in the bone marrow.

Transient tachypnea of the newborn is a mild breathing problem. It affects babies during the first hours of life. Transient means it is short-lived. Tachypnea means fast breathing rate. The problem often goes away on its own in about 3 days.

Very low birth weight is a term used to describe babies who are born weighing less than 3 pounds, 4 ounces. It is very rare that babies are born this tiny. Only about 1 in 100 babies born in the U.S. are very low birth weight.

Apnea is a term that means breathing has stopped for more than 20 seconds. It can happen in full-term babies, but it is more common in premature babies. The more premature the baby, the greater the chances that apnea will occur.

Birth defects may be caused by inherited (genetic) problems or by environmental things such as exposure to certain toxic substances during pregnancy. Some birth defects can be linked to a direct cause. Other reasons are not as clear.

Imperforate anus is a problem that your child is born with. It happens when your child has a blocked or missing anus.

Dr. Jeanette Whitney discusses the benefits of practicing kangaroo care with your baby.

Dr. Jeanette Whitney explains the importance of knowing your baby's visual cues, such as crying.

Dr. Erin Hamilton Spence emphasizes the importance of sleep for the development of a baby's brain.

Getting to know your baby is a resource to help families learn their baby's cues about when they're ready to interact, their schedules, and how to figure out their baby's age (if they were born prematurely). © March of Dimes

Touching and holding your baby is a resource with information for families about kangaroo care and gentle, still touch. © March of Dimes

Premature babies especially need a supportive environment to help them continue to mature and develop as they would in their mother's womb.

Dr. Vedang Londhe explains what a CPAP machine is, and how it is typically used inside the NICU.

Dr. Vedang Lodhe explains the importance of newborn screenings.

Watch this video to learn how preterm and low birth weight babies can benefit from receiving their regular vaccinations and when they can get their shots.

Dr. Susan Sward explains the purpose of a blood transfusion, as well as why a baby might need one.

Vaccination Schedule is a resource with the vaccination schedule for a child through age 6. The chart is based on information from the CDC. © March of Dimes

Watch this video to learn about how a preventive antibody can protect against RSV in infants and some toddlers and the importance of getting the vaccine.

Tests in the NICU is a resource with descriptions of tests that a baby may have while in the NICU. © March of Dimes

Doctors will carefully watch your baby's blood sugar level in the neonatal intensive care unit. If your baby's blood sugar is too high or too low, treatment will bring it back under control.

Here is detailed information about the different equipment you may find in the NICU.

Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. It comes from a yellow substance called bilirubin. Here is information about phototherapy as a treatment for your newborn's jaundice.

Many babies have mild anemia within a few months after birth. These cases don't need treatment. But your baby's anemia is more severe. It must be treated to bring the red blood cell count back up.

Aortic stenosis is when the aortic valve doesn't open all the way. This affects how much blood can flow from the heart to the rest of the body. Treatments include balloon valvuloplasty or surgery to repair or replace the valve.

ASD repair can be done with either cardiac catheterization or with open heart surgery. Your child's cardiologist or surgeon will discuss the best treatment for your child with you.

Your child has a heart problem that includes a hypoplastic ventricle. This means that one of the ventricles is either too small or is absent. The most common treatment for this problem is heart surgery. This is often done in 3 stages. This sheet explains what is done during the second stage (stage II). The surgery can help relieve your child's symptoms.

Your child has a defect in the heart called a hypoplastic ventricle. This means that 1 of the ventricles is either too small or absent. The most common treatment is heart surgery. It is often done in 3 stages. The surgery does not fully repair the heart problem. But it can relieve symptoms. And it can increase your child's chances to live a more normal life.

The most common treatment for hypoplastic ventricle is heart surgery. This is often done in 3 stages. This sheet helps you understand the surgery that is done during stage I.

Coarctation of the aorta is an abnormal narrowing of the aorta. Transcatheter repair is a type of procedure that can help restore normal blood flow through the aorta.

NICUs are equipped with complex machines and devices to monitor nearly every system of a baby's body--temperature, heart rate, breathing, oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, and blood pressure.

Because most babies in the NICU are too small or sick to take milk feedings, medicines and fluids are often given through their veins or arteries.

Babies in the newborn intensive care unit (NICU) undergo regular testing so they get the important care they need. Here are several common lab tests. Ask your baby's healthcare provider about them.

Watch this video to understand how your growing preterm baby develops her senses of smell, hearing, touch, and vision.

Watch this video to understand the signs that signal that your baby is experiencing stress.

Watch this video to see the common signs that show you that your baby is comfortable and content.

Watch this video to hear other parents talk about the challenges of having their child in the NICU.

Watch this video to learn the important role you play while your child is in the NICU

Watch this video to learn the strategies used to help your child feel comfortable in the NICU.

Watch how kangaroo care is used to nurture you and your baby.

All About Me information sheet is a shortened version of the Baby booklet with space for families to fill in information about the baby including, baby's birth, family and the NICU stay. © March of Dimes

Premature babies are at an even higher risk of infection than term babies. This is because babies get antibodies (infection-fighting substances) from the mother when they are in the womb. Preemies don't receive several weeks of antibodies due to being born early.

NICU stands for neonatal intensive care unit. Your baby is getting special care. Below are words that you will hear used in the NICU.

RDS is a breathing problem common in premature infants. Many babies born at under 34 to 36 weeks gestational age have some RDS. Your baby may be cared for in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) or in another part of the hospital.

Premature babies are at risk of ROP. This is a problem that can affect eyesight. ROP is the growth of abnormal blood vessels on the retina (lining of the back of the eye). In severe cases, the blood vessels can detach the retina from the back of the eye.

Meconium is the sticky stool in the intestine at birth. When it gets into a baby's lungs, the airways in the lungs become swollen. Here's what you need to know.

In the lungs, air travels through branching airways called bronchial tubes. These end in tiny sacs called alveoli. Sometimes alveoli rupture (break). This causes air to leak into the space between the lungs and the chest wall. These air leaks cause problems with breathing and can lead to lung damage.

NEC is a serious health problem. It occurs when a part of the baby's bowel (intestine) becomes damaged. NEC is more common in premature infants because the bowel is not yet mature.

Here are images that show the steps for placing an NG tube for your baby.

Here are images that show the steps for feeing your baby with an NG tube.

Each newborn baby is carefully checked at birth for signs of problems or complications.

In the NICU, the staff takes care of your premature baby's medical needs. But your presence is just as important. Read on to learn more.

If your baby has BPD, they will be cared for in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Severe cases of BPD can need a long stay in the hospital. Your baby may still need treatment after going home. This sheet can help you know what to expect when your baby is ready to leave the NICU.

Premature and low-birth-weight babies may be too immature to regulate their own temperature, even in a warm environment. Read on to learn how to safely keep them warm.