A neonatologist specializes in treating sick babies.
A neonatologist is a doctor who cares for premature and sick newborns. Neonatologists typically work in hospital settings, the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), or special child care unit (SCBU). These doctors graduate with the completion of a residency in pediatrics and then a fellowship in neonatology, the branch of medicine focused on the care of newborns. The work of neonatologists is usually stable, especially if they are willing to change jobs.
Neonatologists are well trained to care for critically ill newborns.
When a patient is taken to a neonatologist, he or she will assess the patient’s health and may perform a series of tests to check organ function and look for signs of infection. Once the patient has been evaluated, the neonatologist can decide what type of treatment she needs and what level of care she will need. The neonatologists often spend a lot of time in the hospital, they will be severely stressed or very premature, because the neonatologists do not want to send the babies home before they are completely cured, so the neonatologists also need to think about these questions as to guarantee that the babies enter into contact with their parents. that can be bonded, giving babies intellectual stimulation to promote development, and providing proper nutrition for babies in the NICU or pediatric care wards.
Neonatologists typically work in hospital settings.
Premature newborns are often admitted to the care of a neonatologist because they have some special needs, although they are not necessarily sick. Premature babies are not yet fully developed and their organ systems may need support as they finish developing. A neonatologist evaluates premature babies to determine their gestational age and makes treatment recommendations. During their stay in the NICU, babies gradually move to more general wards as they get stronger and require less supervision and less intensive care.
Neonatologists focus on treating babies, supporting their development, and helping parents bond with their new baby.
Neonatologists also work with sick or low birth weight babies. They may work with neonatal surgeons to treat babies with birth defects that require surgery, as well as to diagnose and treat sick babies. Some babies may be taken to a neonatologist at birth when disease or birth defects become apparent, while others may be brought back to the hospital after arriving home when parents see emerging health problems that may require treatment.
Qualified neonatologists work with a team of health professionals, including respiratory therapists, neonatal nurses, neonatal surgeons, and neonatologist trainees at some hospitals. Being able to work effectively as part of a team is critical for these medical professionals, and they must also have the ability to communicate with parents and address parental concerns. Parents of premature and sick babies are often very concerned and the neonatologist must balance their needs with those of the baby being treated.