Neonatologists Even Odds for Early Arrivals
Posted on 12/15/2011
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LeeAnn Sailer, of Hazen, said her daughter, Elizabeth, has a mind of her own. So when Elizabeth was ready to be born there was no stopping her – even if it was about seven weeks early.
Elizabeth Sailer was born at St. Alexius Medical Center on Oct. 9, 2009. She weighed just 3 pounds, 4 ounces. “Right away her lungs weren’t fully developed. Her lung collapsed the Sunday after she was born,” LeeAnn said.
Mahesh Patel, MD, neonatologist at St. Alexius Medical Center said St Alexius’ Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) treats about 250 to 275 babies each year. While in the NICU, babies are under constant monitoring for a number of complications, including breathing problems and infection. Babies born prematurely are more susceptible to lung problems because they are deficient of pulmonary surfactant – a lipoprotein complex that reduces surface tension. Premature babies treated in St. Alexius’ NICU have the availability of conventional ventilators as well as the more advanced, spatial ventilator, to help them breath. In addition, they are treated by a board-certified neonatologist.
“Board-certified neonatologists have completed three years of training in addition to the traditional pediatric training,” Dr. Patel explained.
Most babies are able to leave the NICU after an average of eight days. But any amount of time is a long time for a new mom to be separated from her baby. “It’s very hard on a mother – especially a first time mother like me,” LeeAnn said. “It hard on a person, but it helps to know she’s in good hands when you leave,” LeeAnn said.
The NICU staff and neonatologists try to help the family deal with the stress of the situation. “We are a very family friendly unit. We have an open policy for visitation of parents and grandparents. And parents can call any time for condition updates on their child,” Dr. Patel said.
Elizabeth was in the NICU for a month, but is home and doing well. “She’s getting big,” LeeAnn said.