Resources
Gentle, practical information for families navigating NICU, trach, and g-tube care. Always follow your own medical team's guidance first.
Understanding the NICU
- The NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) cares for premature and critically ill newborns.
- Common milestones: breathing on their own, maintaining temperature, feeding, and steady weight gain.
- It's okay to ask the care team to explain equipment, monitors, and every number you see.
Trach (Tracheostomy) Care
- A trach is a small tube placed in the windpipe to help your child breathe.
- Daily care includes suctioning, cleaning the stoma, and changing ties as instructed.
- Always keep an emergency 'go bag' with a spare trach, suction, and supplies nearby.
G-Tube (Feeding Tube) Care
- A g-tube delivers nutrition directly to the stomach when oral feeding isn't safe or enough.
- Keep the site clean and dry; watch for redness, leakage, or granulation tissue.
- Flush before and after feeds and meds to prevent clogs.
Support & Emergencies
- Keep your care team, pediatrician, and equipment supplier numbers easy to reach.
- For any breathing emergency, follow your trained emergency plan and call your local emergency number.
- You are not alone — lean on this community and your medical team.
This information is for support only and is not medical advice. Always consult your child's healthcare team for decisions about their care.