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This site made possible by a collaboration between University of Arizona LEND and the team at the Special Care Nursery at Flagstaff Medical Center.

Special Care Nursery resources

In Spanish – En Español

This website is a resource guide for families of children staying in the Special Care Nursery (SCN) at Flagstaff Medical Center (FMC). The Special Care Nursery is implementing family integrated care into their unit. Family integrated care empowers parents/families to be the primary caregiver while their infant is on the SCN. This can be overwhelming. We’re here to help.

Check with your care team at FMC for personalized resources and recommendations.

Glossary of Terms Accordion Closed

Apgar Score: The results of a test given to your baby to quickly evaluate the physical condition and need for immediate extra care.

Apnea: The condition of not breathing.

Aspiration: Inhalation of material (formula, meconium or stomach juice) into the trachea (windpipe) and lungs.

Attending Physician: The physician in charge of your baby’s care.

Bagging: Pumping oxygen to your baby’s lungs by squeezing a bag that covers your baby’s mouth and nose.

Bilirubin: A yellowish pigment that is produced when red blood cells break down. When the body can’t dispose of bilirubin, jaundice can occur.

Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BPAP): A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mode that is used during noninvasive positive pressure ventilation.

Blood Gases: Laboratory test to determine the amount of acid, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other gases in the blood.

Oxygen Saturation: The percentage of oxygen bound to hemoglobin in the patient’s blood.

Bradycardia: A heart rate less than 100 beasts per minute, slower than normal for an infant.

Catheter: Tubing inserted into the body to allow the passage of fluids.

Central Venous Line: A catheter that is placed into a vein in the neck, chest or groin to administer medications or fluids.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): A machine that pushes a continuous flow of air or oxygen through the airways to help keep the air passages open.

Culture: A propagation of microorganisms in a growth medium.

Dextrostix: A special test strip used to determine how much sugar is present in a sample of blood.

Echo-cardiogram (Echo): The use of ultrasound to view the structure and function of the heart.

Edema: Swelling caused by fluid retention.

Electroencephalogram (EEG): The recording of the electrical activity of the brain.

Endotracheal Tube (ET Tube): A breathing tube.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO): Providing respiratory support through an artificial lung.

Fellow: A doctor training to be a physician in a given field of medicine.

Fontanel: An anatomical feature of an infant’s skull referred to as the soft spot.

Gastro-Esophageal Reflux: When food or liquid leaks backwards from the stomach into the trachea.

Gavage: A feeding tube that is placed in a baby who has not learned to swallow.

Gestational Age: Age of baby in weeks from conception.

Gram: A metric unit for measuring weight. One gram equals 1/28 of an ounce.

Hyperalimentation: Administering nutrients by intravenous feeding.

Incubator/Isolette: A heat-controlled crib used to maintain a baby’s body temperature.

Intravenous (IV): A small tube inserted into a vein to deliver medicine or fluids into the blood.

Intubation: Insertion of tube through the nose/mouth into the trachea.

Intake and Output (I&O): Total amount of fluid taken in to the body (Input) VS. the fluid lost as urine, stool or perspiration (Output).

Jaundice (hyperbilirubinemia): A yellow discoloration of the skin and whites of the eyes that results from excess bilirubin.

Kangaroo Care: Holding a baby against one’s naked chest, so there is skin-to- skin contact.

Lung Hypoplasia: Failure of one or both lungs to develop fully.

Meconium: A baby’s first stool, which is greenish or black.

Nasal Cannula: A special tubing that is used to give oxygen through the nose.

Nasogastric Tube (NG Tube): A plastic tube inserted through the nose into the stomach or intestines to aid in digestion when the patient cannot eat by mouth.

Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC): An intestinal infection that causes inflammation of the lining, and in rare cases necrosis (tissue death).

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) (3 levels): Intensive Care Unit specializing in the care of ill or premature newborn infants. There are three levels of care based on the complexity of care provided: – –

–          Level 1 – Basic Care Provides routine medical care to healthy babies or those who may have mild illness expected to resolve quickly.

–          Level 2 – Specialty Care Handles babies who need close monitoring or who have moderate illness or condition expected to resolve quickly.

–          Level 3 – Advanced Specialty Care Provides intensive care for babies born at all gestational ages. Handles babies who need respiratory support, and/or surgical care.

Neonatologist: A pediatric specialist that cares for newborn infants, especially very ill or premature infants.

Nitric Oxide: A gas that is used as an inhalant in order to try and enhance lung growth and recovery.

Oximeter (Pulse Oximeter): A device worn on the finger, toe or earlobe that can measure levels of oxygen in the blood.

Patent Ductus Arterious (PDA): A condition in which the ductus arteriosus (a blood vessel that allows blood to go around the baby’s lungs before birth) does not close.

Percutaneously Inserted Central Catheter (PICC Line): Also called a Percutaneous Line. This is a long catheter placed into a surface vein, with the catheter tip extending farther into the body into a large central vein.

Phototherapy: The process of using light to eliminate bilirubin in the blood.

Pneumothorax: The collection of air in the space around the lung.

Pulmonary Hypertension: High blood pressure in the pulmonary artery which conveys blood to and from the right ventricle of the heart, to the lungs.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): Infection of the lungs and breathing passages.

Respirator: Also known as a ventilator, is a machine that helps breathing by supplying and regulating a flow of air and oxygen.

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP): A potentially blinding eye disorder that effects premature infants.

Rounds: The gathering of doctors, nurses or other health care professionals to discuss the condition and care of patients.

Sepsis: Infection that occurs in, or has spread to, the blood.

Spinal tap: A procedure that is done to collect a sample of spinal fluid for analysis.

Step Down: Decreasing in stages in the amount of care required.

Suctions: Removal of secretions from the nose or throat or from the endometrial tube using a small plastic tube connected to a vacuum outlet.

Tachypnea: Rapid breathing.

Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN): Supplying nutritional needs of the body through an IV, bypassing the digestive system.

Transfusion: The introduction of blood directly into an individual’s blood circulation through a vein.

Umbilical Arterial Catheter: A line placed into the umbilical artery through the umbilical cord.

Vital signs: Temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure and pain level.

Terms Retrieved from Project Sweet Peas’ NICU Guide (2017)

Términos importantes en Español Accordion Closed

Términos importantes en Espanol (https://es.ranchospringsmedcenter.com/services/maternity/nicu/nicu-glossary)

During your stay

Nursery Staff Accordion Closed

  • Charge Nurse: Besides each bedside (RN) nurse there is also a Charge Nurse who assists all the nurses as well as helps supervise the daily activity of the unit.
  • Developmental Specialist/Physical Therapist: Developmental Specialists have special training in assessing your baby’s development, making recommendations to families and staff on the best way to support each infant. They make sure the environment and developmental care your baby receives helps optimize your infant’s long-term developmental outcomes.
  • Neonatologist: A doctor, who has specialized training in the evaluation and care of premature or sick infants. They are responsible for diagnosing infants and directing their daily plan of care. They order tests, medications and may perform procedures, directing the overall care of infants in the Special Care Nursery.
  • NNPs (Neonatal nurse practitioner): The NNPs work 24 hour shifts assessing your infant each day and carrying out the plan of care for the day. They make sure your child is safe and comfortable and carry out many of the assessments and procedures as the Neonatologist.
  • Nurse Manager: Oversees the unit and the day to day operations of the Special Care Nursery. Working with administration, physicians and the staff of the Special Care Nursery to make sure it runs efficiently.
  • Pediatric Cardiologist: Helps to evaluate and treat any issues your infant may have with their heart.
  • PCT (Personal Care Technician): The PCT greets you at the door of our locked unit to ensure the health and safety of all the babies in the Special Care Nursery. They help the unit run smoothly by assisting families, the physicians and all the staff.
  • Physical Therapist: Physical Therapists in the Special Care Nursery are trained to use your infant’s early movement patterns to assess their neurological system. In addition, they assist you and the nurses in handling and positioning to optimize long term sensory and motor development and outcomes.
  • RNs (Registered nurse): Your nurse is responsible for the care of your baby and is there to help guide you in your baby’s care as well as answer any questions you may have. They are there to guide, support and educate as well as carry out important medical and developmental care.
  • Respiratory Therapist: Helps to treat the lungs and airways, that are often effected by being born sick or prematurely. With direction for the Neonatologists and NNPs they take and analyze blood gases, monitor oxygen levels and provide and maintain important respiratory equipment to help your infant with breathing.
  • Social Worker: The social worker offers support to families who have sick or premature infants in the Nursery, as well as connects families with appropriate resources in the Community.
  • Speech Language Pathologist: They assess infant’s pre feeding and feeding skills to help ensure positive and effective feeding experiences. They help support with breast and bottle feeding. Eating is often one of the most difficult skills a premature or sick infant must overcome before discharging home and speech therapists help evaluate and provide the support infants and families need with feeding

Also available:

  • Interpreter
  • Surgeon
  • Ophthalmology consult
  • Ultrasound Technicians

Touching and holding your baby Accordion Closed

Kangaroo care, or skin-to-skin contact, is a method of holding your baby. There are many benefits to both the infant and parents when using this method, some of which include: greater bonding, confidence in providing care, and improved immunity system functioning for your infant. As you consider how to best address the needs of your child, make sure to consult with medical professionals. If you are interested in learning more about Kangaroo care, consider clicking on the links below:

    1. Baby Steps to Home
    2. March of Dimes: Touching and Holding your Baby
    3. Healthy Children: Information about Skin-to-Skin Contact (En Español también)

Understanding your baby’s signals Accordion Closed

For a hard copy booklet of Understanding My Signals by Brenda Hussey-Gardner, check with your care team at FMC or visit https://www.vort.com/product.php?productid=19 .  Below is a summary of tips from the booklet about how to understand your baby’s signals. Be sure to consult your FMC care team for personalized recommendations.

Signals that may say, “I am happy and ready”
  • I am alert and I coo.
  • My face, arms, and legs are relaxed.
  • I look at objects or people.
  • My eyes are open and I try to smile.
Signals that may say, “I am helping myself”
  • I hold on. In the beginning I may be too sick to be held. Ask my doctor if it’s okay for me to hold your finger.
  • I clasp my hands together – this prevents them from waving around.
  • I suck on my fingers or hands – this soothes me. If I have trouble getting my hand in my mouth, you may want to help me.
  • I go into a light sleep – this allows me to shut out sights and sounds.
Signals that may say, “I am not happy and need a change”
  • I salute.
  • I spread my fingers apart.
  • I frown.
  • I grimace or grunt.
  • I yawn, sneeze, or hiccough.
  • I arch my back and neck, and push away.
  • I look away.
  • I cry.
Changes that may help me
  • Your touch can startle me. Try talking to me before you touch me. This will let me know that you are there.
  • Before playing with or feeding me, trying laying me quietly on your lap. This doesn’t have to be a nap. It’s just a short break so that I don’t get too excited.
  • While playing with me, talk softly and hold me about ten inches from your face – I will be able to see you better.
  • Bright lights may bother me. If my eyes are shut, try shading my eyes from the glare with your hand.
  • Provide me with a quiet time when I give a “not happy” signal. Try holding me quietly and firmly. This will give me a secure feeling.
  • When I am ready to interact, begin slowly with either a calm face, soft voice, or gentle touch. If this is still too much, let me grab your finger. Hold me quietly until I am ready.
  • If I am still not happy, try tucking my arms in close to my chest or firmly wrapping me in a blanket.
  • When you are ready to lay me down, put me in the position that my nurse or doctor recommends.

Questions to ask Accordion Closed

Know FMC rules. FMC guidelines may vary depending on your baby’s condition. Knowing what to expect can help prepare you and your family during you child’s special care nursery stay. Here are some helpful questions to ask during your baby’s special care nursery stay:

  1. What are the visiting hours?
  2. How many people can visit at a time?
  3. Can I bring items from home to support my baby? If so, what is recommended?
  4. Are there limitations with how I can interact with my child (for example, holding, feeding, etc.)?
  5. How often is my baby checked on?
  6. Who checks on my child and what are they looking for?
  7. What else should I be considering right now?

You may have more questions later on. Try to make a list of questions as you work with the FMC staff. They are here to support you and your family.

FMC Women & Infants Center education classes Accordion Closed

Phone: 928-773-2491
Website: https://nahealth.com/women-infants-center/labor-and-delivery-classes
Location: FMC Education Center, 1000 N. Humphreys Street, Flagstaff 86001

  • Offering 15 different education classes. Topics include Labor and Delivery classes, breastfeeding basics, Bootcamp for New Dads/Moms, CPR and safety for infants, Parenting 101, and Tummy Time class,

Discounted hotels Accordion Closed

FMC’s Hospitality House – The Taylor House
Located within walking distance of FMC, The Taylor House offers a supportive, caring atmosphere in a hotel-style setting with affordable guest rooms.
1431 N. San Francisco St., Flagstaff, AZ 86001 (Located on the corner of San Francisco St. and Forest Ave. )
Rate: $60, call for reservations: 928-226-0300

*The below hotels are independently owned and not endorsed by Northern Arizona Healthcare or Northern Arizona University. 

West Flagstaff

DAYS INN
1000 W. Route 66
928-774-5221

HILTON GARDEN INN
350 W. Forest Meadows
928-226-8888

RAMADA INN WEST
2755 S. Woodlands Village
928-773-1111

ECONOLODGE-University
914 S. Milton Rd.
928-774-7326

HOWARD JOHNSON
801 W. Route 66
928-774-3381

RODEWAY INN-DOWNTOWN
122 w. Route 66
928-774-5081

BAYMONT INN
2005 S. Milton Rd.
928-773-1300

QUALITY INN
2000 S. Milton Rd.
928-774-8771

THE L MOTEL
121 S. Milton Road
928-774-8820

HAMPTON INN & Suites
2400 S. Beulah

DRURY INN & Suites
300 S. Milton Rd.

TRAVELODGE-University West
990 W. Route 66
928-913-0900 928-773-4900 928-213-5800

East Flagstaff

QUALITY INN-I 40
2500 E Lucky Lane
928-226-7111

RAMADA INN
2350 E. Lucky Lane
928-779-3614

SONESTA ES SUITES
1400 N Country Club
928-526-5555

TRAVELODGE-Flagstaff East
2918 E. Route 66
928-526-3595

Local area resources Accordion Closed

 

NamePhone #DescriptionHoursServing
Flagstaff Housing Authority

3481 N Fanning Dr.

526-0002Operates Flagstaff area low-income public housing and Section 8

housing. Expect applications to wait 12-24 months.

8am to 5pmFlagstaff Residents
 

Flagstaff Shelter Services

4185 E Huntington Dr.

225-2533Day drop-in center featuring a phone with long distance, agency referrals, showers, laundry, and computer, Men and Women’s shelter (only during winter months): 5pm-6:30am (arrive 4:30-5pm). Day Center (for homeless men and women) 6:30am-12pm; Medical. Clinic for homeless men and women 8am-12pm M, T,Th; Trans Programs and life skills classes: contact staff.See ‘Services

Provided”

Homeless Adults
Flagstaff Public Library West Side 300 W Aspen Avenue213-2330Provides computer classes, computer  tutoring, Uber access, library books and resources, book clubs, kids & teens resources. Access to legal library, job computer access. Call for more resources and information.Mon-Thur 10am to 9pm

Fri 10am to 7pm

Sat 10 am to 6pm

Sunday CLOSED

Anyone
Anyone
 

East Flagstaff Community

 

774-6434

Provides computer classes, computer tutoring, computer access, library books and resources, book clubs, kids & teens resources, job resources.Mon-Thur 9am to 9pm Fri 9am to 6pm 

 

Library

3000 N. Fourth Street, Suite 5

computer access. Call for more resources and information regarding services.Sat 9am to 1pm

Sunday 1pm-5pm

 

Goodwill Industries

 

526-9188

Provides lunches and emergency vouchers for clothing and household supplies (may only use one per year). Also a One Stop.Hours may vary

depending on service

 

Anyone

4308 E Route 66Career Center for employment assistance, computer use, and job searches.
The Guidance Center 2187 Vickey Street527-1899Counseling and mental health help for families and adults; drug and alcohol programs.Mon-Fri. 8am – 5pm

(crisis anytime)

Local Residents
Hope Cottage

2211 E Johnson

774-9270Christian based women and children’s shelter. Check-in and intakes

from 4pm-6pm. Must be out by 9am.

4pm-6pmWomen and Children

 

 

Online support Accordion Closed

Hand to Hold: https://handtohold.org/

Mission: Hand to Hold helps families before, during, and after NICU stays and infant loss by providing powerful resources for the whole family, and most importantly, one-on-one mentoring from someone who has been there.

Self care Accordion Closed

This time can be very tough for you and your family. Asking for help, or letting others help you, is such an important consideration when caring for your infant. You can’t take care of others if you can’t take care of yourself. Here are some helpful tips as you maintain your well-being during this time:

  • Ask family and close friends to help you with errands, cooking, cleaning, and helping out with the family demands.
  • Make sure you are getting enough rest and eating balanced meals.
  • If you are able to, get exercise. Going for a walk, stretching your body, and getting some sun can be a nice way to unwind.
  • Talking with your friends and family can be a really nice and simple way to relieve stress. Remember, even a nice conversation can help to relax you.
  • Practice deep breathing exercises or read a book. These tools are helpful ways to be present with your family, distract your mind in a healthy manner, and keep a more positive outlook.

Here are tips to help maintain your well-being after your baby comes home:

  • Get Plenty of Rest – Sleep when your baby does, or at least take time to relax during the nap. Take breaks throughout the day; every few hours unwind and put your feet up.
  • Seek Support at Home – Ask your partner to give the baby one or two night feedings. Have a friend/family member run errands with you to watch the baby while you get things done. Have a friend/family member come watch the baby so you can catch up on sleep. Ask someone to help you with laundry once a week. Ask your partner to help with dishes. If you have an older child, put them to work.
  • Develop a Social Support Network – Join a support group or mom’s club in the area (see group section). Join playgroups with other mothers, or create your own. Take your baby to the park to meet other parents.
  • Make Time for Yourself- Let go of needing to do everything and take time just for you. Spending some time away from your baby is good for you, so do something alone and enjoy it!
  • Leave The House – Isolation is the easiest way to make Postpartum Depression worse. Even if it seems difficult, get you and your baby out at least once a day. Take your baby for a stroll, go to a coffee shop, go to the park, or to a friend’s house. Sunlight and fresh air are essential to feeling better.
  • Exercise – This is beneficial to you for many reasons such as increasing serotonin and elevating your mood, losing baby weight, and boosting your self-esteem. Take the baby with you on a hike or stroll, use daycare at the gym or take baby to a mom/baby yoga class.
  • Eat Nutritiously – Diet is essential to Postpartum Depression symptoms and will affect your mood. Eat a variety of whole grains, plenty of fruits and veggies, choose lean meats and fish and stay away from caffeine, alcohol, processed sugars and salt. Drink a lot of water!
  • Keep a Journal – Reflect on your feelings from the day, what went well and how it made you feel. Write down what you accomplished that day.
  • Reminders: Have Realistic Expectations of Yourself, Avoid Isolation, and Limit Your Stressors!

Counseling services Accordion Closed

Flagstaff:

Arizona Behavioral Health Associates

 

 

928-774-7997

Flagstaff Counseling Center928-774-6364
The Guidance Center928-527-1899
NAU Counseling Center928-523-2261
Southwest Behavioral Health928-779-4550
Surrounding Areas:
Spectrum Healthcare:
Cottonwood, Camp Verde, and Sedona locations928-634-2236
West Yavapai Guidance Clinic (Prescott)928-445-5211
The Guidance Center (Williams)928-635-4272
Mohave Mental Health Center
Kingman928-757-8111
Bullhead City928-758-5905
Lake Havasu

 

Little Colorado Behavioral Health

Springerville

St. Johns

ChangePoint Integrated Health

Holbrook

Show Low

Winslow

Snowflake/ Taylor

ChangePoint Psychiatric Hospital: Lakeside

 

Navajo Nation Dept. of Behavioral Health Services

928-855-3432

 

 

928-333-2683

928-337-4301

 

928-524-6126

928-537-2951

928-289-4658

928-536-6869

928-368-4110

 

928-871-6235

 

Support groups Accordion Closed

Pregnancy and Postpartum Adjustment Group

Who: Open to anyone. Baby and partner are invited to attend. Facilitated by Star Kelly, LCSW & Rachel Josefchuk, RN

When: Wednesday from 1:30pm- 3:00pm

Where: North Country Health Care’s Community Room- 2920 N 4 t h Street Flagstaff, AZ 86004

928-707-0748 or 928-213-6100

Cost: FREE

**Registration is not required. Please note that childcare is not provided.

Pregnancy and Postpartum Wellness Group

Who: Must enroll at the Guidance Center. Facilitated by Alicia Griffing, MS.

When: Thursday from 9:30am- 11:30am

Where: The Guidance Center- 2695 E. Industrial Dr. Flagstaff, AZ 86004

928-527-1899

Perinatal mood disorders Accordion Closed

Postpartum depression is very treatable, and depending on how severe the symptoms, can often be treated with psychotherapy and/or increased self-care alone. However, if symptoms persist or if a person goes untreated, medication is often needed in addition. The two categories of drugs that have proven effective for women with Postpartum Depression are antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications. These can be prescribed by a Physician or Psychiatrist.

Resources:

Postpartum Support International (PSI) Arizona Warmline
(888) 434-MOMS (6667)
Website: www.psiarizona.org
24-hour hotline with trained volunteers who have “been there,” provides the most up-to­ date information regarding area resources and support options for postpartum care.

Postpartum Support International
Website: www.postpartum.net
Phone: 1-800-944-4773
National hotline with 24 hour support in English and Spanish, list of resources in your area, and online support group.

Maternal Mental Health
Website: www.drchristinahibbert.com
Blog, videos, and link to online resources all created by local Psychologist of Flagstaff, Dr. Christina Hibbert.

Online PPD Support Group/ Blog
Website: www.ppdsupportpage.com
Informational and peer support services through discussion forums and resource lists.

The Postpartum Stress Center, LLC
Website: www.postpartumstress.com
Offers a thorough list of educational resources and recommended readings, as well as consultation services and access to clinical treatment plans.

National Suicide Prevention Hotline and Website
Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
Website: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the USA, anytime, about any type of crisis.

Recommended Reading:

Cowan, K. (2017). When Postpartum Packs a Punch: Fighting Back and Finding Joy,

Smith Brody, L. (2017). The Fifth Trimester: The Working Mom’s Guide to Style, Sanity, and Big Success After Baby.

Moyer, J. (2014). A Mother’s Climb Out of Darkness: A Story About Overcoming Postpartum Psychosis.

Bennett, S. & Indman, P. (2015). Beyond the Blues: A guide to understanding and treating prenatal and postpartum depression. (www.beyondtheblues.com)

Taylor, E. (2014). Becoming Us: 8 Steps to Grow a Family that Thrives.

Kleiman, K.R., & Raskin, V.D. (2003). This isn’t what I expected: Overcoming postpartum depression.

Kleiman, K. (2001). The postpartum husband: Practical solutions for living with postpartum depression.

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Accordion Closed

What is neonatal abstinence syndrome?

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (also called NAS) is a group of conditions caused when a baby withdraws from certain drugs he’s exposed to in the womb before birth. NAS is most often caused when a woman takes drugs called opioids during pregnancy. But it also can be caused by antidepressants (used to treat depression), barbiturates or benzodiazepines (sleeping pills). When you take these drugs during pregnancy, they can pass through the placenta and cause serious problems for your baby. The placenta grows in your uterus (womb) and supplies your baby with food and oxygen through the umbilical cord.
If you’ve been injured or had surgery, your provider may give you a prescription for opioids to help relieve pain. Prescription opioids include:

  • Codeine
  • Hydrocodone (name brand Vicodin®)
  • Morphine (name brands Kadian®, Avinza®)
  • Oxycodone (name brands OxyContin®, Percocet®)
  • Tramadol

The street drug heroin also is an opioid.
You may hear NAS also called NOWS. NOWS stands for neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. NOWS is the same as NAS except it’s caused only by opioids.

What are signs of NAS?

Signs of NAS can be different for every baby. Most happen within 3 days (72 hours) of birth, but some may happen right after birth or not until a few weeks after birth. They can last from 1 week to 6 months after birth.
If your baby has signs of NAS, call her provider right away. Signs may include:

  • Body shakes (tremors), seizures (convulsions), overactive reflexes (twitching) and tight muscle tone
  • Fussiness, excessive crying or having a high-pitched cry
  • Poor feeding or sucking or slow weight gain
  • Breathing problems, including breathing really fast
  • Fever, sweating or blotchy skin
  • Trouble sleeping and lots of yawning
  • Diarrhea or throwing up
  • Stuffy nose or sneezing

Signs of NAS depend on:

  • What drug you used during pregnancy, how much you used and how long you took it
  • How your own body breaks down the drug
  • Your baby’s gestational age at birth (number of weeks of pregnancy)

How is NAS treated?

Your baby’s treatment may include:

  • Taking medicines to treat or manage severe withdrawal symptoms. Once withdrawal is under control, your baby gets smaller doses of the medicine over time so her body can adjust to being off the medicine. Medicines used to treat severe withdrawal include morphine, methadone and buprenorphine.
  • Getting fluids through a needle into a vein (also called intravenous or IV) to prevent your baby from getting dehydrated. Dehydrated means not having enough water in the body. Babies with NAS can get dehydrated from having diarrhea or throwing up a lot.
  • Being fed higher-calorie baby formula. Some babies with NAS need extra calories to help them grow because they have trouble feeding or slow growth.

Most babies with NAS who get treatment get better in 5 to 30 days.
During treatment, your baby may be fussy and hard to soothe. Doing these things can help calm your baby:

  • Room in with your baby. This means you and your baby stay in the same room together at the hospital before you take your baby home.
  • Give your baby skin-to-skin care (also called kangaroo care). This is when you put your baby, dressed only in a diaper, on your bare chest.
  • Be gentle with your baby. Rock your baby gently. If she’s sleeping, don’t wake her up.
  • Swaddle your baby (wrap him snuggly) in a blanket.
  • Keep your baby’s room quiet and the lights dim.
  • Breastfeed your baby. Feed your baby on demand. This means you feed your baby when he’s hungry.
  • Give your baby a pacifier.

This information has been retrieved from March of Dimes, Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) (2019). For more information, visit March of Dimes-Complications-Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome .

After your stay

Before you leave, check with your FMC care team about referrals for follow-up. It is very important to follow-up on all referrals!

Milestones Accordion Closed

  • Celebrate milestones using photos or scrapbooks.
  • Capture the moments in order to share with your providers for updates and your family and friends.
  • Remember: all babies are different! Your child may not meet milestones at the same time as other children.
  • NICU babies face different challenges and obstacles than other children, and therefore staying patient and staying in contact with your providers is crucial.
  • Always discuss your developmental concerns with a provider.

For videos, brochures, and milestones by age and topic, refer to: https://pathways.org/free-tools-maximize-child-development/

For information about typical speech and language development from birth to 5 years old, refer to: https://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/chart/

For information about typical feeding development from birth to 15 months, refer to: https://pathways.org/topics-of-development/feeding/

Safe sleeping Accordion Closed

  • Always place a baby on their back for safe sleeping.
  • Use a firm sleep surface covered with a fitted sheet.
  • No pillows or mattress toppers.
  • There may be risks with sharing the family bed with your baby. Talk to your provider if you have concerns or further questions.
  • Sleep clothing may be better than using a blanket. Talk to your provider if you have questions.

Learn more at the Safe to Sleep campaign: https://safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/

Preparing for home Accordion Closed

Bringing equipment home:

  • Some babies will need medical equipment when being sent home.
  • Try to learn how to use the equipment while your baby is still in the NICU.
  • Try to get your home organized for when the baby comes, and make room for any equipment.
  • If you have concerns regarding electricity or electricity needs for your baby’s equipment, please consult with your provider.

Raising Special Kids Accordion Closed

Website: https://m.raisingspecialkids.org/start-here/for-parents-and-families
Phone: 800-237-3007 Family Support Specialists
Email: info@raisingspecialkids.org

Programs and services are provided at no charge!

Programs and services for families:

  • Assistance and support at all ages and stages of your child’s development from birth to age 26.
  • Individual problem-solving support to understand and access the programs, health plans, and services your child may need.
  • Accurate, authoritative information related to your child’s disability or special health condition.
  • Special education consultations, training, and problem-resolution.
  • Parent-to-parent connections with a trained parent “mentor” who has a child with a similar diagnosis and is skilled at providing information and support.
  • Workshops and training geared to increase advocacy skills, and improve your ability to work with professionals on your child’s educational and medical needs.
  • Referrals to agencies, organizations, and community resources with expertise to meet your family needs.

Tummy Time Accordion Closed

Pathways.org offers a brochure about Tummy Time in English, Spanish, and Portuguese: https://pathways.org/tummy-time-brochure/

Socialization groups Accordion Closed

Baby and Me Group
For parents and infants age newborn to one year no matter where you gave birth.
Meet at the Flagstaff Birth and Women’s Center every Wednesday 12:30pm to 2:00pm for postpartum support, socializing, and parent education in a casual environment.

Flagstaff Christian Fellowship, Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS)
MOPS is a socialization group for Moms. All Moms are welcome. Website:https://flagstaffmops.wordpress.com/

Parenting education Accordion Closed

Parenting Arizona
Phone: 928-773-9133
Location: 201 E. Birch Avenue, Suite 1, Flagstaff, AZ 86001 Website: www.parentingaz.org

  • Offering education classes for: Parents, children, teens, adoptive and foster
  • In home support for families
  • Teen Services

Family Resource Center: Flagstaff Unified School District
Phone: 928-774-1103
Location: 4000 North Cummings Street, Flagstaff, AZ 86604

  • Tutoring, parenting classes, ESL adult classes, preschool story time, computer and internet access, resources, games for kids, and more!
  • All services offered in Spanish (Espanol)
  • All services are free!

 

References Accordion Closed

Hussey-Gardner, B. (2008). Understanding My Signals: Help for Parents of Premature Infants. Palo Alto, CA: VORT Corporation.

March of the Dimes. (2017). Getting ready to go home from the NICU [Website] Retrieved from https://www.marchofdimes.org/complications/getting-ready-to-go-home-from-the-NICU.aspx

National Association of Neonatal Nurses. (2018). NICU discharge module [PDF]. Retrieved from http://babystepstohome.com/nicu-discharge-module.pdf

Project Sweet Peas. (n.d.). NICU guide for parents [PDF]. Retrieved from https://www.projectsweetpeas.com/uploads/2/7/6/8/27680953/nicu_guide_final_draft_4.24.15_pdf.pdf

Tartakovsky, M. (2018). 5 Self-Care Tips for New Moms. Psych Central. Retrieved from https://psychcentral.com/blog/5-self-care-tips-for-new-moms/

Institute for Human Development
Location
Room 101 Building 27A
Institute for Human Development
PO Box 5630
Flagstaff, AZ 86011-5630
Mailing Address
912 W Riordan Road
Flagstaff, AZ 86011-5630
Contact Form
Email
ihd@nau.edu
Phone
928-523-7032
Fax
928-523-9127
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