Neonatal Care

Approximately half of twins and more than 90% of triplets require time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and/or the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU). This presents an emotional and logistical challenge for multiples parents that is difficult to prepare for.

Mothers are recovering from a pregnancy which was likely challenging, as well as a birth which is more likely to have been by c-section. Parents are navigating learning how to tend to the needs of two or more babies, and if one or more is medically fragile this is an even bigger learning curve.

A specific challenge that faces parents of multiples is the potential of a staggered discharge, in which one or more of their new infants is discharged from hospital days, weeks or even months before their siblings.

The following links provide some useful resources about preterm birth and neonatal care in New Zealand:

• Premature multiples survey by Multiples NZ: Valuable insight into multiples families’ experiences of NICU

• Wellington Regional Hospital’s Neonatal intensive care unit

• Kangaroo care

• Car seat safety for NICU infants

• Expressing for premature infants

• Video tour: Wellington Regional Hospital NICU

• National NICU/SCBU units: Contact details for all neonatal care services in New Zealand

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