A GLIMPSE INSIDE THE NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT
The Dixon Quads, born at 26 weeks, are in a Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where they receive special care around the clock. This facility offers the highest level of care and most advanced technology available for newborns with health challenges. Neonatologists and specially-trained nurses care for the Dixon Quads. The NICU is a place of miracles and a place of heartache.
Hooked up to every monitor and machine you can think of, with tubes running medication to their hearts and lungs, many parents are unprepared for the emotional journey of the NICU. "Two steps forward and one step back" is the mantra.
The average day is a series of ups and downs, with nurses, doctors, and various specialists tending to one immediate crisis after another, including the normal baby activities of diaper changes and feedings, all to the tune of insistently beeping monitors.
Respiratory difficulties are common in premature babies. For which they are off-and-on ventilators, have frequent Brady episodes, and have respiratory therapy to help strengthen their tiny, underdeveloped lungs. Ventilators help them breathe. Surfactant, a natural substance in mature lungs, is given to keep the babies' lungs expanded.
Common problems include Patent Ductus Arteriosus, anemia, jaundice, Bradycardia, hemorrhaging, hypertension, and infection. Click here to learn more about common problems and diseases of preemies.
Babies also have trouble maintaining their body temperature, so - like all the tiny patients of the NICU - Hudson, Madison, Candice and Samantha are nestled in their pods with blankets in a quiet, dimmly-lit room with purple painted walls. Here they rest and grow, and find strength to fight for another day.
It is estimated that the Dixon Quads will remain in the safety and critical care of the NICU until the end of the summer. However, it's too hard to look that far ahead. For now, Liz & Donny and their family take it one day at a time.
SOME FACTS ABOUT PREEMIES
About 80% of babies born at 25 weeks+ survive, with about 20% disabled with cerebral palsy, blindness, deafness or mental handicaps. Learning disabilities are often undected until the elementary school years.
Premature infant's vital systems are fragile and underdeveloped. In the last 20 years great strides have been made in saving these tiniest of soldiers.
The Dixon Quads, born at 26 weeks, are in a Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where they receive special care around the clock. This facility offers the highest level of care and most advanced technology available for newborns with health challenges. Neonatologists and specially-trained nurses care for the Dixon Quads. The NICU is a place of miracles and a place of heartache.
Hooked up to every monitor and machine you can think of, with tubes running medication to their hearts and lungs, many parents are unprepared for the emotional journey of the NICU. "Two steps forward and one step back" is the mantra.
The average day is a series of ups and downs, with nurses, doctors, and various specialists tending to one immediate crisis after another, including the normal baby activities of diaper changes and feedings, all to the tune of insistently beeping monitors.
Respiratory difficulties are common in premature babies. For which they are off-and-on ventilators, have frequent Brady episodes, and have respiratory therapy to help strengthen their tiny, underdeveloped lungs. Ventilators help them breathe. Surfactant, a natural substance in mature lungs, is given to keep the babies' lungs expanded.
Common problems include Patent Ductus Arteriosus, anemia, jaundice, Bradycardia, hemorrhaging, hypertension, and infection. Click here to learn more about common problems and diseases of preemies.
Babies also have trouble maintaining their body temperature, so - like all the tiny patients of the NICU - Hudson, Madison, Candice and Samantha are nestled in their pods with blankets in a quiet, dimmly-lit room with purple painted walls. Here they rest and grow, and find strength to fight for another day.
It is estimated that the Dixon Quads will remain in the safety and critical care of the NICU until the end of the summer. However, it's too hard to look that far ahead. For now, Liz & Donny and their family take it one day at a time.
SOME FACTS ABOUT PREEMIES
About 80% of babies born at 25 weeks+ survive, with about 20% disabled with cerebral palsy, blindness, deafness or mental handicaps. Learning disabilities are often undected until the elementary school years.
Premature infant's vital systems are fragile and underdeveloped. In the last 20 years great strides have been made in saving these tiniest of soldiers.
