Northside Hospital - Special Beginnings

Prolactin – A hormone secreted from the pituitary gland that stimulates the milk gland cells in the breast to begin producing milk. Pulse Oximetry (Pulse Ox) – A small red light wrapped around the baby’s hand or foot to monitor oxygen in the blood. Respiratory Distress Syndrome or Hyaline Membrane Disease (RDS) – The baby’s lungs have not developed enough to work well on their own. Babies can be given extra oxygen or breathing assistance with CPAP or a ventilator. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) – A virus commonly responsible for hospital readmission of premature infants. Occurs seasonally, usually September-April. Room Air – No extra oxygen is needed above the amount in the air in the room (approximately 21%). Sepsis – Infection in the blood. It can affect the whole body. It is treated with antibiotics. Skin-to-Skin (Kangaroo) Care – The practice of holding your diapered baby on your bare chest with a blanket over your baby’s back. Parents are encouraged to bond with their babies by doing skin to-skin care. Surfactant – A substance the body makes that is needed to help keep small air sacs in the baby’s lungs open. Many babies, especially those with RDS, are given extra surfactant to help prevent or minimize breathing problems. Transitional Milk – Colostrum is replaced by a creamy white milk called transitional milk before the mature breast milk is established. Umbilical Artery Catheter (UAC) – A small tube (catheter) put into an artery in the baby’s belly button. It is used to painlessly get blood samples, give nutrition and medicine, and monitor blood pressure. Umbilical Venous Catheter (UVC) – A small tube (catheter) put into a large vein in the baby’s belly button. It is used to give nutrition and medicine. Ventilator – A machine used to help babies breathe better. There are many types of ventilators. Tachycardia – A fast heart beat. Tachypnea – Fast breathing.

Mature Milk – Produced around 2 to 3 weeks after the baby is born, it is comprised of 90% water to maintain correct fluid balance. The other 10% is carbohydrates, proteins and fats necessary for both growth and development. Meconium – Baby’s first stool. Thick dark green color and very sticky. Montgomery Glands – Pimple-like structures near the border of the areola. These glands secrete a substance that aids in lubricating and cleansing the area. Nasal Cannula – Small plastic tube with prongs placed just inside the nose used to give extra oxygen through the nose. Nasogastric Tube (NG Tube) – A soft tube passed through the nose into the stomach. It is used for feeding the baby. Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) – A severe problem with the intestines. The cause is not well understood. It is usually treated with antibiotics. Oral Administration (PO) – Terminology used advising that a baby is able to take feedings from a bottle or be breastfed. Orogastric Tube (OG Tube) – A soft tube passed through the mouth into the stomach. It is used for feeding the baby. Oxygen Hood – A way to give the baby oxygen by putting the baby’s head under a plastic dome filled with extra oxygen. Oxytocin – A hormone in a woman’s body that contributes to the start of labor and later to effect the “let-down” response. Patent Ductus Arteriosis (PDA) – A normal blood vessel near the heart which should close soon after birth, sometimes remains open. It is usually treated with medicine. Phototherapy – Special lights used to treat jaundice. Babies will be undressed and have a protective mask over their eyes while the lights are on.

PICC – See Central Venous Line.

Pneumothorax – A tear in the air sacs of the baby’s lung causing air to leak into the space between the lung and chest wall. A chest tube is placed to remove the air.

42 Special Beginnings in the Special Care Nurseries