Who works in neonatology?

An administrative assistant or secretary is responsible for welcoming visitors to the neonatology unit. He or she answers the phone and connects you as a parent with the nurse caring for your baby. Administrative staff also handle correspondence, manage files, and schedule appointments for you with the pediatrician or neonatologist.

Medical care and daily follow-up of the baby in an N* unit is provided by a pediatrician (a physician specialized in pediatrics), and in an NIC unit by a neonatologist. A neonatologist is a pediatrician who specializes in intensive care for newborns.

Neonatologists are assisted by resident physicians. These are pediatricians in training who work under the supervision of a neonatologist. Sometimes, advice may be sought from other medical specialists for specific problems like heart issues, gastrointestinal problems, eye conditions, surgical concerns, brain and nervous system disorders, kidney and urinary tract problems, etc.

At night, there is always a pediatrician or neonatologist on call. He or she is continuously reachable and will come to the hospital if necessary.

The role of physiotherapists in an NIC unit is very divers. A physiotherapist can be involved in developmental support and monitoring the development of premature babies. They may provide respiratory physiotherapy to keep the airways clear. In addition, they can stimulate the baby’s motor skills or movement and pay attention to oral stimulation, positioning and posture.

Lactation consultants have completed additional training and are experts in breastfeeding. Breastfeeding for premature babies and expressing milk isn’t always easy. Parents can turn to them for information and questions about lactation. They also provide support with breastfeeding problems and work together with parents to find appropriate solutions. Even after discharge from the hospital, a lactation consultant can visit at home. More information about lactation consultants can be found on the website of the Belgian Association of Lactation Consultants.

Some children have difficulty starting to drink from the breast or bottle. In such cases, a speech therapist can be involved to help babies with feeding problems learn how to drink.

Logistics staff support the unit in various ways, such as replenishing supplies, collecting materials from other units, hygienic maintenance of equipment (e.g. cleaning incubators, cribs, breastfeeding pillows, stuffed animals, etc.), picking up medication etc.

The admission of a baby is a profound and emotional experience for parents. Parents can turn to a psychologist to talk about their feelings, fears and emotions during this difficult period. The psychologist also helps them to connect with their baby. In the NIC unit, the psychologist is part of the care team. When a baby is admitted to an N* unit, parents can consult the hospital’s psychologist.

They are responsible for daily cleaning, washing and disinfection. Cleaning staff ensure that the unit is hygienically clean, which is of course extremely important in a neonatology ward where premature and sick, therefore vulnerable, babies are cared fore.

They support parents with administrative and practical matters such as maternity leave, applications with the health insurance fund, the cost of the baby’s hospitalization, etc. and are ready to answer any related questions. Parents can also turn to social workers for a confidential conversation. They provide emotional support and psychosocial guidance to parents during their baby’s stay.

They are the hands at the bedside and are responsible for nursing/midwifery tasks such as blood sampling, administering medication, clinical observation of the baby, etc. The nurse or midwife encourages parents to actively participate in caring for their baby.

They work in shifts, so different nurses and midwives provide care for the baby each day. They are also the direct point of contact for parents. The (assistant) head nurses of the unit are responsible for leading the care team and organizing the unit.