What to do if premature babies have difficulty breathing? How to feed them in an incubator

Most premature newborns are placed in incubators and can only leave the incubators when they grow to a certain size. So what should we do if premature babies have difficulty breathing? How should we feed premature babies?

What to do if premature babies have breathing difficulties

Insertion of an endotracheal tube: This is a flexible tube placed in the trachea of ​​a premature baby to provide moist, warm air and oxygen to the newborn, allowing him to breathe oxygen directly.

Artificial ventilator: An artificial ventilator, sometimes called an artificial breathing device, is a breathing machine connected to an endotracheal tube that monitors the amount of oxygen, air pressure, and number of breaths.

Continuous Nasal Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): Continuous Nasal Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is used for premature babies who can breathe on their own but need someone to bring air into their lungs so they can breathe.

Transparent oxygen mask: An oxygen mask is a transparent plastic mask that is placed over the premature baby's head and connected to a tube that draws and delivers oxygen to the baby so he can breathe.

How to feed premature babies

An IV line can be used: An IV line delivers nutrients directly into the baby's bloodstream and is used for premature babies who have a mature digestive system but are unable to swallow, suck, and breathe normally. This method is sometimes used to treat other health complications.

Umbilical tube can be used: This painless method involves surgically inserting a tube into the umbilical cord, but this method carries the risk of infection and blood clots. Therefore, this method is only used in the most critical cases, and the baby needs to be fed this way for a few weeks.

Oral-nasal feeding: This is feeding through a narrow, flexible tube through the baby's nose or mouth. It is usually used for babies who can digest breast milk or formula but cannot yet coordinate sucking, swallowing and breathing.

A central line may be used: This is an IV line that is inserted into a vein, usually in the arm, to allow access to a larger vein. This is used to deliver nutrients and medications without irritating the smaller veins.

Safe care for premature babies

Incubator: An incubator is a clear plastic crib in which a premature baby can stay warm and protected from germs and noise.

Blue Bililight: This is a bright, blue fluorescent light installed in incubators for premature babies to treat neonatal jaundice, a disease in which the skin and eyes turn yellow.