These are some of the terms we’ve learned in the NICU and what our experiences are with them.  These are not medical explanations, for those go elsewhere.

Billirubin – This is the byproduct of breaking down red blood cells.  If the babies liver is not mature enough to process it, the babies skin turns yellow and is called Jaundice which is serious if not treated.

Billi Light – This is the lighting used to treat billirubin.  It breaks down the red blood cells that the body can’t quite process yet and helps excrete through their stool.

Brady (bradycardia) – First occurrence of this when you’re in the NICU it will make your heart drop.  An alarm goes off and a red alert on the screen says Brady 78 < 80 or something similar.  This just means their heart rate has dropped below an optimum point and the babies need a little help to get it to a better level.  They often rub their back, touch their heads and eventually will give them caffeine in order to keep up the heart rate if necessary.

CPAP – Breathing machine that pressurizes babies lungs to assist in their premature breathing.  They also put a line through the mouth to the stomach to release additional air/pressure from the babies stomach.

Culture (blood culture) – These were taken as soon as the babies were born.  They test for any foreign bacteria in the babies blood stream at birth.  Each day after the culture is taken, they will tell you if it’s positive or negative.  Ours has been negative on all accounts up to day five.

IV – Not something we learned about but something worth noting is that the IVs are sometimes moved often during the day depending on how well the babies veins handle them.  If the veins pop out too often, a PICC line may be necessary.

Jaundice – A yellowing of the skin that is caused by excess billirubin in the blood stream.  They treated Harper and Hudson with blue lights for 72 hours.  The lights break down the billirubin (waste product from red blood cells that the liver can’t quite process yet) and allow it to be excreted through their stool.

Kangaroo Care – This is where mom holds baby in just a diaper and hat and is laid on mom’s chest so she/he can hear her heartbeat, feel her warmth and bond.

PICC Line – This is a special IV that goes deeper into the babies body, close to their heart.  Hudson received this when his IV kept popping out.

NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) – The part of the hospital where premature babies are taken care of.  There are specialized nurses and doctors in here just for the wee ones.

Stomach Tube – Put through the nose or mouth, a tube that goes directly to the stomach.  This is used for feeding as well as venting air if on a CPAP machine.

Swaddling – Wrapping the baby up in a secure blanket.  This helps keep babies from pulling on IVs, tubes, etc.  It also keeps baby warm.