Our focus is providing holistic whānau oriented care for your pēpi. Supporting your pēpi /baby in our Neonatal Unit (NICU) booklet introduces you to developmentally supportive and cue based care for your pēpi.
The Neonatal Service provides 24-hour care for newborn pēpi with a variety of special needs. This includes prematurity, surgery, congenital abnormalities and pēpi who may have been compromised at birth. Care is provided by a skilled and experienced multi-disciplinary team utilising current evidence based practice.
The Canterbury Neonatal Service provides special and intensive care for all pēpi born in the wider Canterbury region. This region extends to Timaru in the South, Greymouth in the West and Kaikoura in the North (approximately 20,000 square kilometres).
In addition, all newborn peeps requiring surgery in the South Island, which is approximately 50,000 square kilometres (excluding the Nelson region), will be cared for within this service. If a pēpi requires cardiac surgery then once stabilised, the pēpi will be transferred to New Zealand's/Aotearoa's only Paediatric Cardiac Surgery Unit, which is in Auckland.
In view of the large geographical area that this service is responsible for, a highly skilled Neonatal retrieval team is available 24 hours to transport pēpi to and from our tertiary referral centre in Christchurch/Ōtautahi. However when emergencies occur in a home setting the ambulance is called first. In 2021-22, there were 114 transports by helicopter, fixed wing aircraft, or ambulance.
The Neonatal Service currently provides 12 level 3 and 32 level 2 intensive care cots, a total of 44. We have had between 850 and 960 admissions per year over the last four years. The gestational age varied from less than 26 weeks to 42 weeks. The smallest pēpi admitted weighed less than 500g.
We recognise that breastfeeding is an integral part of the care that our pēpi receive and this is both facilitated and encouraged in accordance with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) joint statement in 1989. This is supported by the BFHI.
The Service has a strong Nursing and Medical research philosophy. At any time there are numerous consented studies or reviews in progress. To facilitate this process there are Neonatal Research Nurses employed to assist in the management of some of the Neonatal studies. More information on current studies in progress is provided here.
The care that we provide, is guided by the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumer's Rights and The Treaty of Waitangi/ Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
The Canterbury Neonatal Service prides itself on its multi-disciplinary approach and teamwork when caring for the pēpi and whānau of Canterbury/Waitaha. We are constantly sustaining and improving the type of care that we provide for our community/takiwhā. Central to this is our reflective practice and our desire to base as much of our model of care as possible, on current evidence based practice.
Consistently provide, as a team, quality holistic care with respect for whānau, encompassing the concepts of Te Whare Tapa Whā (The four cornerstones of health), Te Taha Wairua (Spiritual), Te Taha Tinana (Physical), Te Taha Whānau (Family), Te Taha Hinengaro (Emotional and psychological) in accordance with Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi) and the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers Rights (1994).
Create and maintain an environment, conducive to the provision of developmentally supportive care, which will maximise the pēpi's outcome and potential for a dignified and independent life.
Promote and foster healthy interpersonal relationships, between nga mātua/parents, extended whānau and pēpi.
Ensure the multi-disciplinary team advocates for the pēpi and their whānau in all aspects of care including complaints.
Encourage open and effective communication between all staff and whānau in a supportive caring environment, providing interpretation when required, without discrimination.
Ensure appropriate preparation for discharge and ongoing needs. These needs will be established in consultation with the whānau and multi-disciplinary team members.
Recognise the necessity, of maintaining high levels of care and skill within the Neonatal Service, based on evidence based practice, current teaching and research.
In this video you will learn more about your pēpi’s admission to the Neonatal Unit.
Our Level 3 or intensive care area provides care for pēpi who need help with breathing (ventilator or CPAP) or who have complex needs, including needing surgery. In addition, any pēpi that requires intensive observation will be cared for within this environment.
The service utilises Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and various forms of ventilation (High Frequency and Nitric Oxide, Volume and SIMV-Synchronised Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation) in supporting pēpi who are experiencing breathing difficulties or who require support post surgery.
Utilising the extended multi-disciplinary team, these babies are cared for in a physical environment that enables us to closely monitor all of their activity. Extremely sick or unwell pēpi are usually cared for by one Nurse who is able to solely focus on the pēpi's and family's/whānau's needs.
Within our entire neonatal environment the parents are a valued member of the team. Staff will assist in any way possible to minimise separation and encourage contact. This often involves changing nappies, taking temperatures and kangaroo care. The parents' role is highly valued.
The Level 2 or special care area provides support and care for pēpi who are able to breath for themselves but may still have special needs that require input from our multi-disciplinary team. These pēpi may require oxygen therapy, intravenous therapy, antibiotics, who are of a low birth weight, or are unable to keep warm or feed well.
This area doesn't appear as "High Tech" as intensive care and encourages the whānau to participate more freely in the care of their pēpi. In this situation, one Nurse will care for up to five pēpi.
Pēpi often progress into room 6 where their care is focused more on the "well" pēpi who perhaps still remains a little small and who is beginning to establish oral feeding. The physical surroundings of this nursery, allows and encourages families/whānau to achieve a high level of participation in the care of their pēpi. Nurses in this level impart Parentcraft skills that will be of enormous value when the babies are discharged into their home environment.
Parent rooms are available when the pēpi is close to discharge. We aim for all parents to room in with their pēpi for at least one night prior to discharge to enable parents to feel more confident on discharge. Meals are provided for parents living in.
In this video you will find tips on forming a bond with your pēpi while in the Neonatal Unit, and learning about people who can help.
Provides clinical coordination and professional leadership, support, guidance and coaching to nursing staff of the neonatal service on a shift by shift basis ensuring the provision of safe, effective quality care.
The Christchurch Hospital’s Chaplaincy Service: Chaplains are available for all whānau. The service is sensitive to and respectful of people of all cultures and beliefs.
Chaplains are a part of this hospital’s healthcare team. They offer:
The chaplaincy team includes the Chaplain to Māori and a Catholic Chaplain
To contact a chaplain, ask your nurse, social worker. There is always a chaplain available “on call” outside normal working hours.
Provides leadership for the service in conjunction with the Nurse Manager. The CD is responsible for co-ordinating the team providing the medical management of the pēpi in our service, and represents the service nationally and internationally.
Clinical Nurse specialist (advanced neonatal practice); CNS(ANP) are senior nurses who have many years experience and have done speciality training to work on the medical team. They rotate around different areas of the Neonatal service with the registrars covering different areas of neonatal, postnatal, delivery suite and retrievals. They are responsible for the day to day medical management of your infants and will discuss any concerns with the Neonatal consultant on duty.
The Neonatal Dietitian is here to make sure your pēpi receives the best nutrition and she will be monitoring the growth and nutritional intake of your pēpi. She is on the morning ward rounds to look at growth charts, to discuss and implement feeding changes. If you have questions regarding what nutrition your pēpi is receiving or your pēpi growth then ask your nurse to contact her and she can come and discuss this with you. She is also able to provide advice for breastfeeding mothers on their own nutrition as this can be an issue for many busy parents. She is available Monday to Friday.
The role of the discharge facilitator is to assist in the preparation of whānau transitioning to home. In particular, families who are discharging with ongoing medical needs such as home oxygen and tube feeding. Discharge facilitators are part of a multi-disciplinary team caring for the and liaise closely with the Neonatal Outreach Nurses. Contact details are 364 4244 or pager numbers 5291 / 5487.
Provides quality nursing care, support and education to pēpi and their parents within the special care/level 2 environment of the Neonatal Service.
Hearing screening is offered to all babies admitted to NICU as part of the national Universal Newborn Hearing Screening and Early Intervention Programme. At some point during a pēpi NICU journey, parents/caregivers are given written information about the programme. We have a team of four NICU nurses who complete screening of the pēpi admitted to NICU. As a pēpi nears discharge home (usually after 36 weeks), parents/caregivers will be approached by one of the nurses on the hearing screening team to see if they would be interested in having their pēpi screened. This is a good opportunity for parents/caregivers to ask any questions they may have about the screening. Hearing screening is a simple process, and parents/caregivers are given the results from the screen straight away.
To facilitate appropriate cleaning and setting up of equipment to support the Clinical Team in the care of the neonate and to ensure adequate stock levels are maintained.
The Clinical Nurse Specialist in Infection Prevention and Control (IP&C) is an information/advisory resource who has specialist education in this field of nursing. This specialist nurse can provide education and support in relation to any IP&C issues both to parents and staff in neonatal unit e.g. infectious disease and how we control these in the unit. In addition, there are printed resources available which may also be useful for parents.
Provides a strong parent craft model of nursing care to pēpi and their parents within the special care/level 2 environment, this includes consistent and current advice on areas such as lactation and discharge preparation.
Part of the multidisciplinary team this role is to tautoko (support) and awhi (help) parents on their journey in NICU and provide a culturally safe environment.
Clinical Engineering takes care of the medical equipment and systems. This includes advice on the purchase, operation and the maintenance of medical equipment. The development of medical equipment systems to meet the clinical requirements is also included.
To facilitate the appropriate making of milk feeds and milk additives for pēpi within the Neonatal Services.
The nurse manager coordinates nursing and the support team across neonatal inpatient and outreach services, facilitating and promoting excellence in patient care.
A team of neonatal nurses who follow up a selection of pēpi from the neonatal unit after discharge to provide support and advice.
The research nurses co-ordinate the units participation in Clinical Research Studies. The unit participates in local, national and international studies. The findings of which lead to improvements in clinical practice.
Consultant Neonatal Paediatricians: the paediatricians are responsible for the overall medical management of your pēpi. We have six neonatal consultants who rotate through service in the neonatal unit. You will see a lot more of the consultant who is "on service" for that week. If you would like to speak to your consultant please indicate to your nurse or the ACNM on duty. They will also follow your pēpi up after discharge if indicated.
A Clinical Pharmacist visits the Neonatal Unit each morning (Monday - Friday). The visit will usually include attending the ward round and providing medication dosing advice to the medical team and to any parents who may have medication related queries about their pēpi's care. As part of the ward visit the pharmacist will also check medication charts to ensure that all prescriptions have been written correctly and that the medicines can be given in a safe and timely manner.
Nearer to the time of discharge home, if your pēpi will need medicines to be continued at home, the pharmacist will help to ensure that this can happen as easily as possible. In some cases there may be discharge medicines that need to be dispensed from the hospital pharmacy, rather than your local community pharmacy after discharge and the Neonatal Clinical Pharmacist and Discharge Facilitator will be able to advise you if this is the case. During your infant's stay in the NICU please do ask the pharmacist if you have any questions about medication that you think they may be able to help with.
Physiotherapists assess pēpi for their development, head shape, range of movement and muscle strength, meet with parents for specific handling and positioning sessions and discuss developmental play ideas and liaises with the community therapists if pēpi have ongoing needs. Physiotherapists also run a developmental playgroup for preterm pēpi to ensure achievement of developmental milestones in the first year of life.
We are a team of five Radiologists (located at Christchurch Women's Hospital and Christchurch Public Hospital) who specialises in Neonatal and Obstetric Radiology. We assess and diagnose neonatal abnormalities on several different forms of imaging. This most commonly includes neonatal Xrays and ultrasound but may also include CT, MRI and Xray fluoroscopy. We use a state of the art system called PACS which displays the images electronically and allows rapid communication of the results with the Neonatologists. We also present the cases for discussion at a weekly multidisciplinary Xray meeting with the Paediatric surgeons and Neonatologists.
Neonatal registrar: registrars are paediatricians in training (with several years practice as doctors already). They rotate around different areas of the Neonatal service with the CNS (ANP) covering different areas of neonatal, postnatal, delivery suite and retrievals. They are responsible for the day to day medical management of your pēpi and will discuss any concerns with the Neonatal consultant on duty.
Provides a high level of clinical nursing care for neonates within the neonatal service and their families.
The Women's and Children's Safety and Quality Unit (SQU) is responsible for overseeing the quality and safety of the services we offer and providing guidance, tools and advice to clinical/operational staff and managers. We are continuously monitoring the quality of care users of our services receive and looking for ways that collectively we can improve this.
There are three Social Workers in NICU providing 80 hours of support each week. We assist with practical and emotional issues that may arise. Our goal is to work alongside whanau to help reduce stress in order that parents can attach and experience the most positive start possible with their pēpi. We can refer onto agencies when support is required following discharge.
NICU Social Worker work with whanau providing emotional and practical support. We understand the complexity of the issues in the NICU. Our role is to walk beside families through the NICU journey to help reduce stress in the unit and at home.
There is a Speech Language Therapy service available to all pēpi admitted to the NICU. We offer a Monday to Friday service, and there are currently three therapists on the unit. Speech Language Therapists assess your pēpi's sucking and feeding skills, and will create individual feeding plans to help with his or her sucking and feeding. For those pēpi that are bottle fed, we may recommend specialist teats.
We also work in conjunction with the infant feeding specialist, the physiotherapist and the medical team to give advice around feeding positions and routines. We usually see pēpi born early, those with syndromes, cleft palate or any pēpi having difficulty feeding. Pēpi can have feeding difficulties for a variety of reasons, so our involvement may be for a short or long time. For those pēpi that are on the NICU for a long time, we also give advice about early communication development. Outpatient follow-up is also available once your pēpi has gone home.
The Christchurch Women’s Neonatal Transport Team covers retrievals of newborn, premature and/or sick pēpi from Kaikoura to the West Coast and down to Timaru, as not all hospitals have the resources to care for preterm or sick babies. The team also covers the retrieval of pēpi requiring surgical intervention from Nelson to Invercargill and take them to Christchurch Women’s Hospital, which is the only hospital that provides surgical services to neonates in the South Island.
The transport team may also collect preterm or sick pēpi from other hospitals around New Zealand if the retrieval team from the referring hospital is unable to do the transport. The transport team will also transfer pēpi back to their home hospitals once they are well enough and are almost ready for discharge home.
The goal of the Neonatal Emergency Transport Team is to provide the same quality of specialised care to newborn, premature and/or sick pēpi as they would receive within the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit environment to reduce morbidity and mortality. The team is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The transport team consists of a dedicated team of specially trained Registered Nurses/Midwives, Clinical Nurse Specialist/Advanced Nurse Practitioner and a Neonatal Registrar.
The pēpi are transported by Road Ambulance (St John) or by Fixed Wing Aircraft (New Zealand Flying Doctors) or Helicopter (Garden City Helicopter).
The Neonatal Transport Team does between 60-80 emergency retrievals a year and 40 transfers of pēpi back to their home hospital. About half of the transports are by ambulance and half by fixed wing and only a few by helicopter.
The Neonatal Service provides a multidisciplinary team approach to breastfeeding and pēpi feeding.
In this video you will learn more about feeding your pēpi while in the Neonatal Unit.
The Clinical Nurse Specialist supports staff and whanau in breastfeeding education and clinical matters.
Monitors Breastfeeding Initiative standards around the 10 steps to successful breastfeeding, the non-breastfeeding mother, the International Code of Marketing and subsequent resolution, and the Treaty of Waitangi.
Clinical expertise in breastfeeding and supports colleagues in clinical breast feeding skills
Neurodevelopmental Physiotherapist
Assesses complex babies for neurodevelopmental issues related to feeding, sucking and swallowing.
Assesses the suck and swallow of complex pepi and implements a programme with staff and parents involved.
A nurse who works with complex pepi and plays an important role in setting up specifically targeted programmes and recourses for discharge into the community e.g. teaching home feeding via pump.
The Neonatal Service supports the Pepi Friendly Initiative and recognises the 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding . For information about the Ten Steps and the Pepi Friendly Hospital Initiative see www.babyfriendly.org.nz
The following outlines your Pepi Friendly Hospital education requirements:
The Neonatal Discharge and Outreach Service is a team of Clinical Nurse Specialists. For some pepi the ‘Road to Home’ can be longer than others and it is our goal to ensure you are comfortable when it is time to take your pepi home.
If your pepi has continuing medical needs after they leave the Neonatal Unit, such as home oxygen or tube feeding our Discharge Team will provide all necessary education and supplies. The Outreach team provides further support for you and your pepi at home as needed.
Download: The Road to Home pamphlet (100KB, PDF)
Parents only visiting (24 hours) no other visitors permitted at this time.
This visiting policy has been developed to ensure an optimal safe and secure environment for your pepi, by minimising infection risk, protecting whanau individual privacy, and providing an environment that promotes pepi’s well-being and development.
We recommend no more than three people per whanau at any one time. This includes parents. Pepi health and safety can be affected by over-stimulation, particularly if they are early or unwell. By limiting the number of people at the bedside, this reduces noise, activity, infection risk and helps in pepi rest and wellbeing. In the event that the nursery area becomes too noisy or overcrowded, impacting on the pepi' wellbeing, a nurse may request that you take your visitors out to the parent lounge. Please do not be offended.
Hands must be washed immediately upon entering the unit. This is to prevent the spread of infections that are carried on the skin; as well as cold and flu viruses, which are carried in the air and on objects such as furniture, hands, baggage, clothing, etc. Sterilising foam is also available at your pepi cot.
For more information about visiting Neonatal services read the Neonatal Visiting Policy Pamphlet (PDF, 180KB)
Information for Whānau/Family and Friends (PDF, 300KB)
Information for Grandparents (PDF, 300KB)
There are people who can help you through this stressful time with your new pepi, please ask us about these services:
The patient advocacy service is independent of the Canterbury District Health Board, it is a free service and provides:
The decision to undertake a transfer is never taken lightly. The senior team base the decision on what is felt to be the safest option for whānau and the pēpi care at that time.
The Associate Clinical Nurse Manager (ACNM) and neonatal social work team will be in regular contact with the referring Hospital and the return transfer will be arranged as soon as space becomes available at the Christchurch Women's NICU, and when it is safe to travel.
Your accommodation will be paid for whilst the pēpi remain in the receiving Hospital.
To arrange travel and minimise the need for you to pay upfront, contact the Neonatal Service to arrange travel.
For any other questions, call the Neonatal Nurse Manager on (03) 364 4875
When pēpi born very preterm reach 34-36 weeks corrected gestation or those with complex needs getting ready to be discharged from the hospital, our Discharge planning nurses are introduced to the whānau. They work through the discharge needs of each pēpi with the whānau.
The Discharge Facilitators issue a “Road to Home” pamphlet to whānau. The pamphlet consists of several cue boxes that are used for discussion with the parents regarding preparation for discharge, readiness of the home for pēpi and ongoing follow-up. It is a useful tool as it contributes to a smooth transition home.
The Outreach Nurses will be introduced to the whānau of the pēpi being discharged from the service, prior to the discharge date. It is important that all support mechanisms and future appointments are in place so that the transition to home goes as smoothly as possible. Once the pēpi has been discharged to the home/kainga, the Outreach Nurse will visit both pēpi and whānau for as long as is deemed necessary.
Parents are encouraged to spend 24-48 hours living in hospital with their pēpi just prior to discharge. This eases the transfer to home and is an opportunity to consolidate feeding and caring for their pēpi. Timing will depend on space availability. We have six parent rooms available.
Pēpi who have Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, once they are stabilised in the hospital environment, can also be discharged into their home/kainga environment. The Outreach Nurses will visit and monitor these pēpi on a regular basis.This type of approach fosters a more contented pēpi and whānau.
If the video doesn't display above, you can also watch this video about swaddled bathing on Vimeo.com
Remember: Get everything ready before the bath, so that you can be present with your baby.
Swadling keeps your baby calm and focused it helps them feel safe and secure, conserving energy for feeding and growing.
Talking and singing to your baby helps build their brain - perfect at bath time.
Give firm, secure touch with movement to help early brain development. Keep hands to the midline and use rolling.
Watch your baby's face and body movements - they will let you know what they need and when they've had enough.
Ask your nurse for an education sheet for Swaddled bathing.
The Neonatal Service supports the Pēpi Friendly Initiative and recognises the 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding.
For information about the Ten Steps and the Pēpi Friendly Hospital Initiative see babyfriendly.org.nz
Waitaha: Canterbury
Takiwhā: Community
Aotearoa: New Zealand
Ōtautahi: Christchurch
Pēpi: Baby
Whānau: Family
Whenua: Placenta
Nga Matua: Parents
Kainga: Home
The body's ability to take in, or incorporate back into the body, fluids or food.
Drugs used for bringing on the loss of sensation (and hence pain) in many medical and surgical procedures. General anaesthetic (GA) produces unconsciousness and is administered by a specially trained doctor called an Anaesthetist.
Drugs used to fight off bacterial infection. E.g. Vancomycin, Gentamicin, and Amoxil.
The reduction below normal levels of the number of red blood cells (haemoglobin).
A numerical scoring system given at 1, 5, and 10 minutes after birth to evaluate the condition of the baby at delivery by checking the heart rate, respiratory rate, colour, irritability and muscle tone. Ten is the maximum.
The temporary stopping of breathing by a pēpi.
A monitor that is connected to the pēpi with a sensor that specifically alarms when a pēpi stops breathing or pauses for more than 20 seconds.
The breathing of material into the windpipe (trachea) or lung; or 2. Removal of material from the lungs (secretions) or stomach by suctioning.
Suffocation due to lack of oxygen and high carbon dioxide levels in the blood.
A colloquial word to describe the procedure of applying oxygen via a mask connected to an oxygen bag. The pēpi's nose and mouth are covered by the mask and the bag gently squeezed to ventilating the lungs
A breakdown product of red blood cells; excess amounts cause jaundice (a yellowing of the skin).
A test performed on a sample of blood - arterial (from an artery) or a cap gas (from a capillary i.e. a heal prick) - to measure the amounts of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the bloodstream.
A test of a sample of blood to tell the numbers of red and white cells at a given time. Also known as Full Blood Count.
The pressure of force that the blood exerts against the walls of the arteries during circulation. It is described by numbers: systolic (the top or high number) and diastolic (the low or bottom number).
Blood given to replenish a deficit caused by taking blood samples for tests.
Establishing a close relationship between a parent and a child.
An abnormally slow heart rate (beats per minute) i.e. less than 100 for a preterm pēpi. A newborn's heart rate is usually 120 to 160.
A machine to monitor the brain waves of a pēpi. Used when suspected injury has occurred, usually following a traumatic birth or prolonged resuscitation
A device, either hand or electrically driven, to extract breast milk.
A breathing circuit that bubbles air or oxygen through water giving continuous positive airway pressure. See CPAP.
A medicine given to babies to stimulate their breathing.
A tube to either put fluid into the pēpi's body or to drain fluid out of it.
Applying to the structure and the functions of the brain.
Each human body cell has 46 chromosomes; 23 pairs. They are the genetic blueprint containing all the information that makes each human unique.
Chronic disease/damage to lungs that requires long term support with ventilation/CPAP/oxygen therapy.
The first breast milk produced after the birth of a pēpi. It appears thick and yellowish in colour and is rich in protein and antibodies.
A method whereby pēpi does his/her own breathing while having some continuous lung expansion by way of a machine delivering air with or without added oxygen.
Describes the age your pēpi would have been if he was born at term. E.g. for a pēpi born at 30 weeks (10 weeks early), when your pēpi is 6 months old from birth, his corrected age is 3 ½ months.
A machine to help keep an infant's lung expanded while he does his own breathing.
A biological term for a specially prepared substance to grow microbes (germs) on to identify which organism to treat for an illness.
Being low in fluids due to vomiting, diarrhoea, overheating and/or evaporation through the skin.
A sterile sugar solution given into a vein to maintain or raise the level of sugar in the blood.
Commonly used name for an intravenous infusion (IV). A system where a measured sterile fluid is given via a small needle and tubing by an electric pump.
Expressed breast milk.
Use of ultrasound to examine the structure of the heart. The ultrasound waves are directed at the heart through the chest wall and seen on a screen.
Refers to the minerals in the blood. E.g. Sodium, Potassium, and Calcium.
A plastic tube used to pass through the pēpi's mouth or nose into the windpipe (trachea) and is connected to the ventilator.
When the breastmilk is coming in. Sometimes the breasts become enlarged and uncomfortable. Helped by frequent breast-feeding or expressing.
Blood given as an exchange for severe jaundice (yellowing of the skin).
Position in which a pēpi lies with straight arms and legs.
Removal of the tube from the windpipe/trachea.
Two soft spots on a pēpi's head – a large spot on the top, and a smaller one near the back of it. The spots close within 12 to 18 months.
Milk mixtures suitable for infant's consumption.
The time in weeks from the last menstrual period, indicating the length of the pregnancy. Full term is 40 weeks, but can range from 37 – 42 weeks.
Sex organs - penis or vagina.
A natural sugar which is a main source of energy for the body.
Pēpi's head size measured at the largest point.
Special type of ventilation where the ventilator delivers frequent rapid breathes that can be in excess of 150 breaths per minute
Breast milk of higher fat content that follows after the let-down reflex once the pēpi has been sucking for some time. This may be 2-3 minutes or 4-5 strong sucks.
Characteristics transmitted from one generation to another through genes on the chromosomes.
A protein present in the red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body to the tissues.
Bleeding either inside or outside the body.
A small prick in the pēpi's heel to do blood tests (usually for blood gases or blood sugar levels).
A bulge of tissue where the bowel protrudes outside the abdomen. An inguinal hernia is in the groin. It is more frequent in premature boys, and is often repaired by surgery.
Sometimes referred to as respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). A lung condition mostly occurring in babies less than 32 weeks gestation due to a lack of surfactant that is present naturally in larger amounts in babies not born so prematurely.
Low blood sugar.
Specially enclosed bed with the ability to control temperature.
The rapid invasion of the body (in or on) by harmful organisms (bugs). Bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics; very few viruses are treatable.
Direct access into the vein by needle or plastic tube for giving fluids or drugs.
The act of inserting the endotracheal tube; usually through the mouth, but also can be through the nose.
An area set aside to keep anyone suspected of a contagious infection away from others. It is usual to nurse such babies on their own and staff to wear gown and gloves.
The yellow colour of a pēpi's skin caused by too much bilirubin in the layer below the skin. It is usually treated by phototherapy.
The body's process of making breastmilk.
The soft downy hair some babies are born with, especially if premature. It falls out over time.
Fat contained in a white fluid and given as part of intravenous therapy in babies who are unable to feed by mouth.
Amniotic fluids surrounding the pēpi (in the womb) until the membranes rupture.
An IV sited in the elbow or foot which sits well inside the body in a large vein.
A needle inserted between the vertebra near the bottom of the spine to collect cerebrospinal fluid. It is sent to the laboratory to help in the diagnosis of infection.
Greenish-black mucus like substance present in the intestines of newborns. The first meconium is usually passed in the first 24 hours.
A machine used to help observe functions such as respiratory rate and heart rate. It is connected to the pēpi by electrodes and sensors.
Fluid found in the nose and windpipe.
A heart sound heard through a stethoscope. There are many causes. An echo is usually done to determine the reason in your pēpi.
Refers to the first 28 days after birth (however, many babies are in neonatal units for longer than this).
Inflammation or infection of the bowel wall of some infants.
The art of creating a safe position with boundaries for premature babies in incubators.
Neonatologist A doctor with special training and interest in premature and sick newborns.
A tube placed in the stomach - via the nose - to feed a pēpi too small or tired to manage breast or bottle for all feeds.
A doctor specialising in the treatment and diagnosis of eye defects, injuries and diseases.
Open bed with a warmer to control the pēpi's temperature. It is used on admission and while a lot of intervention is still needed.
A gas that makes up 21% of the air we breathe. When more oxygen is required it can be given up to 100% as a medical gas.
Treatment for jaundice that involves the use of white or blue light directed at the uncovered skin of the pēpi in an incubator for a variable period of time.
Leakage of air from the lung into the chest cavity. It may cause breathing problems necessitating the draining of this through a chest tube.
The rhythmic expansion of an artery caused by a heartbeat which may be felt with a finger.
Monitor that gives an oxygen saturation reading in the pēpi's blood. It is usually attached to the hand or foot and has a red light.
The fluid component of blood in which the red cells are suspended.
The position of lying the pēpi on his or her stomach.
Specified period during the day when babies and parents can rest undisturbed.
The backs of the eye where blood vessels supplying the light sensitive cells are found.
Mothers may move in to stay when their pēpi is establishing breast feeding. This is especially so when pēpi is starting to demand feeds. Regardless of whether you breast or bottle feed there will come a time for you to live in prior to discharge. You should have your pēpi in your room and provide total care for your pēpi.
See Hyaline Membrane Disease
A drug given to settle a pēpi. Often ventilated pēpi require sedation.
An infection in the bloodstream that affects the whole body.
Babies born weighing much less than is considered optimum for their gestation.
Free from contamination by living organism (bugs).
Developmental encouragement given to the pēpi by either singing, talking, reading, or having things to look at; or 2. Physical encouragement to continue breathing when an apneoa occurs, by gently running your finger over the pēpi's chest.
Sugar dispensed by pharmacy in suspension used to relieve pain during minor painful procedures e.g. heelpricks
Aspiration of fluid and mucus from the lungs; usually by mechanical means.
Surgical stitches.
Compounds that line the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs of premature babies who have not had a chance to develop it naturally. It reduces the surface tension and therefore prevents lung collapse during expiration (breathing out).
Used to either inject fluid or medication or to withdraw fluid from the body.
Heart rate above 160 beats per minute.
Breathing rate above 60 breaths per minute.
Fluid given intravenously to promote your pēpi's growth.
A small tube in the umbilicus (cord) used for taking off blood samples and for measuring blood pressure.
Same as UAC but used for giving IV fluids like TPN and blood top-ups.
Breaths done by the ventilator machine when pēpi has an endotracheal tube (ETT) through the mouth or a naso/pharangeal tube through the nose into the trachea (windpipe) direct to the lungs.
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Babies / Pēpi requiring a Blood Transfusion (PDF, 200KB)
Blood Pressure (PDF, 200KB)
Bowel Habits and Constipation in Pēpi/Babies (PDF, 200KB)
Breastfeeding Expressing Collection (PDF, 900KB)
Breastfeeding Your Premature Baby a Home (PDF, 700KB)
Come along to Premie Play Group – for Babies Born 30-34 Weeks (PDF, 100KB)
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) (PDF, 200KB)
COVID-19 Daily RAT Testing (PDF, 200KB)
COVID-19, If Your Baby is in Hospital with Risk for (PDF, 200KB)
Dads - Tips for Dads (PDF, 150KB)
Discharge on Tube Support (DOTS) (PDF, 200KB)
Discharge on Tube Support (DOTS) Programme (PDF, 1MB)
Donor/Human Milk for Your Baby (PDF, 200KB)
Electroencephalography (PDF, 200KB)
Exomphalos (PDF, 200KB)
Family and Friends/Whānau, Neonatal Services Information for, (PDF, 200KB)
Family Integrated Care Parent Education Sessions (PDF, 800KB)
Gastro Oesophageal Reflux (PDF, 200KB)
Gastroschisis (PDF, 200KB)
Grandparents, Information for (PDF, 300KB)
Head Ultrasound (PDF, 200KB)
Heart Scan Clinic, Neonatal (PDF, 300KB)
Head Ultrasound (PDF, 300KB)
Human Milk Bank, Introduction to the (PDF, 200KB)
Human Milk for Our Babies (PDF, 400KB)
Human Milk Fortifier (HMF) (PDF, 200KB)
Human Milk Storage and Use (PDF, 400KB)
Hypoglycaemia (PDF, 200KB)
Hypoxic Ischaemic Encephalopathy (PDF, 200KB)
Hypoxic Ischaemic Encephalopathy, Cooling Treatment for (PDF, 100KB)
Inguinal Hernia (PDF, 200KB)
Intrauterine Growth Restriction – Small for Gestational Age (PDF, 200KB)
Iron (Ferrous Sulphate) Medication (PDF, 200KB)
Jaundice in Newborn Pēpi/Babies (PDF, 200KB)
Laser Eye Surgery (PDF, 150KB)
Medical Ward Rounds (PDF, 150KB)
Mementos (PDF, 150KB)
Methamphetamine and Your Pepi (PDF, 300KB)
Mobile Devices in the Neonatal Unit (PDF, 200KB)
Nasogastric Tube (NGT) Feeds (PDF, 200KB)
Nasogastric Tube Feeding (PDF, 200KB)
Nasogastric Tube Taping (PDF, 200KB)
Necrotising Enterocolitis (PDF, 400KB)
Neonatal Discharge and Outreach Team (PDF, 200KB)
Neonatal Handy Hints (PDF, 200KB)
Neonatal Outreach Partnership of Care (PDF, 200KB)
Neonatal Service Glossary – Terms commonly used within the Neonatal Service (PDF, 300KB)
Neonatal Substance Withdrawal (PDF, 200KB)
NICU Volunteers – Our Helping Hands (PDF, 200KB)
Oesophageal Atresia and Tracheo – Oesophageal Fistula (PDF, 400KB)
Parent Information for Shared Decision Making at 23 and 24 Weeks Gestation (PDF, 400KB)
Parents and Prospective Parents of Premature Pēpi/Babies between 28 and 32 Weeks Gestation, Information for (PDF, 600KB)
Parents and Prospective Parents of Premature Pēpi/Babies less than 28 Weeks Gestation, Information for (PDF, 600KB)
Parenteral Nutrition (PDF, 200KB)
Pasteurised Donor Milk (PDM) (PDF, 200KB)
Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) (PDF, 400KB)
Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN) (PDF, 200KB)
Play Group – for Babies Born 30-34 Weeks (PDF, 300KB)
Pneumothorax (PDF, 300KB)
Probiotics (Infloran) (PDF, 100KB)
Quiet Time in NICU (PDF, 100KB)
Right-sided Aorta and Vascular Rings (PDF, 100KB)
Road to Home - Taking your baby home (PDF, 100KB)
Rooming in/Mum time (PDF, 200KB)
Screening Infants Eyes for Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) (PDF, 100KB)
Sepsis/Infection (PDF, 100KB)
Shared Decision Making at 23 and 24 Weeks Gestation, Parent Information for (PDF, 400KB)
Swaddled (wrapped) bath for baby (PDF, 100KB)
Sucrose for Minor Painful Procedures (PDF, 100KB)
Supporting your pēpi/baby in our Neonatal Unit (NICU) Parent, Caregiver and Whānau information (PDF, 3MB)
Synacthen Test Prior to Procedure (PDF, 100KB)
Transferring Your Baby to Christchurch Women’s Hospital Neonatal Unit (PDF, 200KB)
Transient Tachypnoea of the Newborn (PDF, 200KB)
Vascular Access in NICU (PDF, 200KB)
Visiting Policy, Neonatal Service (PDF, 300KB)
Vitamin K and Your Baby (PDF, 100KB)
Whānau/Family and Friends, Information for (PDF, 200KB)
What is My Baby Telling Me (PDF, 100KB)
Welcome back to Christchurch Womens NICU (PDF, 200KB)
Page last updated: 3 February 2025
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