Neonatology
What is neonatology?
Neonatology is a subspeciality of pediatrics that is concerned with the care of newborn infants during the first month of life. Neonatology services are managed by a multi-disciplinary team of specialists who provide 24/7 care that is tailored to each patient. This team utilizes advanced medical therapies and technology to handle the complex medical issues and high-risk situations that are associated with newborns. A neonatologist is a pediatrician who is specially trained in the care of critically ill infants.
Neonatology also provides family-centered care, which supports the parents of the newborn during their hospital stay as well as long-term after they are discharged. It is usually a hospital-based specialty that is delivered in a neonatal care Intensive care unit (NICU).
Some of the conditions that neonatology is concerned with are:
- prematurity
- low birth weight
- illnesses
- breathing problems
- neurological problems
- birth injuries
- birth defects
- feeding issues
As well as providing cutting-edge clinical care, neonatology is focused on new research, innovative technology, and discovering ways to improve the care of newborns.
Why is neonatology important in healthcare?
Neonatology is an important branch of medicine that provides specialist care for critically ill infants to reduce neonatal mortality.
Newborn infants are extremely delicate and especially vulnerable after birth and require specialty care to treat any issues that arise. There are a variety of complications that can arise, and newborns must be appropriately cared for to ensure survival and optimal development.