Continuous Positive Airway Pressure is a type of respiratory support or noninvasive mechanical ventilation used to deliver oxygen and constant air pressure into a baby’s nose to help the air sacs in the baby’s lungs stay open and help prevent apnea. It is sometimes used when infants need a little extra help but do not require a ventilator. This can be beneficial in preterm infants and occasionally term infants.

Vapotherm is a type of oxygen deliver for infants that need some help with respiration and oxygenation but do not require a ventilator.

IV medications include antibiotics and intravenous fluids for infants not able to tolerate oral nutrition.

NAS happens when infants have been exposed to substances that were used or abused during pregnancy. Withdrawal from the licit or illicit medication can cause many side effects or withdrawal symptoms for infants. Symptoms an infant may experience can be poor feeding, excessive irritability and crying, poor sleep, weight loss and slow weight gain, diarrhea, vomiting, and skin integrity issues. In some cases infants can have seizures.

At Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center, we have a level 2 nursery that cares for these infants with the use of non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatments. We believe the infant does best when it is allowed to remain with the mother so we allow parents to stay at the hospital with the infant until discharge of the infant. We have a Maternal Child Navigator on site to assist these mothers and family members with any needs that may arise. The navigator can assist with treatment options and ADL needs.