Understanding the NICU

Starred review from September 1, 2016

Having an infant in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is extremely stressful, and parents need all the help they can get. Here is that support, written in a factual yet personable voice by NICU practitioners. Readers will learn not only what the equipment and tests in this environment are used for but also how to communicate with the NICU staff, what common medical issues are treated, instructions for home care, and dealing with the loss of a newborn. Images of infants in intensive care will help assuage the intensity of this experience, and the stories of parents throughout will go miles in providing hope and understanding. VERDICT Over 380,000 babies are born prematurely each year. This is an important acquisition for all collections.

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 15, 2016
It's hard to imagine a better guide for parents of premature babies than this title from the American Academy of Pediatrics. The well-qualified authors, a nurse and two medical doctors with decades of experience in neonatal intensive care units, spell out what brings babies to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). They explain many problems, from bleeding in the brain to complications of diabetes and high blood pressure. And they note that some babies die. They recommend that parents of preemies name their offspring: Referring to a baby by name, even after death, gives dignity to that life. They share the stories of 14 families whose babies spent weeks and sometimes months in the NICU, and share their photos. No two stories are alike. Augie was born 16 weeks early, with no lasting problems; twins Holland and Eden, also born 16 weeks early, suffer from cerebral palsy. All the parents express sincere gratitude for the doctors and nurses who supported them and their kids. As a result, even the not-so-happily-ever-after tales feel somehow empowering.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)