Neonatology

Our neonatologists work in close collaboration with our paediatric specialists, paediatric critical care specialists and paediatric surgeons to ensure optimal care is provided in a family-centered environment. They take special interest in the field of high risk newborns, postoperative care of neonates, newborn resuscitation, ventilation modalities of neonates and advanced life supporting procedures.

                                                           OUR NEONATOLOGY SERVICES

• Mechanical ventilation
• Sick newborns especially preterms may have lung immaturity/dysfunction. These neonates may require ventilator support.
• High Frequency Ventilators

Babies who have severe lung disease may fail on conventional ventilators. For such babies we have the facility of high frequency ventilation.

• Universal hearing screening

All babies born in Mar Sleeva Medicity Palai undergo hearing tests to detect early deafness. Parental nutrition: The small preterm and sick neonates are not able to tolerate oral feeds well and require intravenous nutrition in the form of glucose, fats and proteins. This parenteral nutrition is prepared with aseptic precautions under laminar flow and is delivered via intravenous route, till the time baby is able to tolerate oral feeds.

• Neuro imaging

Premature babies periodically need to be evaluated by ultrasound of brain. We have facility of bedside ultrasound and if required we have advanced neuroimaging facilities like MRI available in the hospital. Very few neonatal units in Kottayam have MRI machine in their hospital.

• Neuro developmental care

Our team includes occupational therapist and support staff who visit the NICU regularly and help in the developmental support of the sick babies. This support continues even after discharge when the babies come for follow up.

• Bedside echocardiography and cardiac services

Bed side echocardiography is very important for early diagnosis and prompt management of cardiac defects. We have a team of trained cardiologists available round the clock.

• Phototherapy and exchange transfusion

Babies who develop significant jaundice require special lights called phototherapy and in rare cases may require exchange transfusion.

• Genetic counselling services

All babies born or admitted to our hospital are screened for common metabolic and genetic diseases. Our team provides full support to babies diagnosed with or suspected to have genetic disorders.

• Eye examination

Retinopathy Of Prematurity (ROP) is a disease of very preterm babies, which can lead to blindness if not treated in time. To prevent ROP, our ophthalmologists will periodically examine retina of these preterm infants as per international guidelines. Babies with advanced stage of ROP are offered bedside laser therapy to halt progression of disease.

• Parent Involvement

Parents are also involved in the care of their sick baby; they are encouraged to hold the baby next to their skin (Kangaroo Mother Care), which helps in better growth and development of infants apart from helping in establishing lactation. Mothers of babies who cannot feed are taught how to express milk and maintain lactation. Our doctors will update you regularly about the progress and condition of your child.