Pediatric Diseases and ConditionsBreastfeeding Overview Caring
for Babies in the NICU Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) are
equipped with complex machines and monitoring devices designed
for the unique needs of tiny babies. There are mechanical
ventilators (breathing machines), oxygen, medications, and
supplies for medical care. Furthermore, there is technology to
monitor nearly every system of a baby's body including body
temperature, heart rate, breathing, oxygen and carbon dioxide
levels, and blood pressure. The following list includes some of
the monitoring equipment often used in the NICU: Heart or
cardiorespiratory monitor This monitor displays a baby's heart
and breathing rates and patterns on a screen. Wires from the
monitor are attached to adhesive patches on the skin of the
baby's chest, abdomen, and leg. Blood pressure monitor Blood
pressure is measured using a small cuff placed around the baby's
upper arm or leg. Periodically, a blood pressure monitor pumps
up the cuff and measures the level o