The family and neonatal intensive care

The birth of a sick newborn provides great stress for the family. During the illness, the family must face charged issues, including the loss of the perfect child they had anticipated and a fear that their baby may die. Issues related to helping these vulnerable families are examined, including response to the birth of a sick baby, communication with the family, preparation for discharge and long term hospitalization, as well as issues pertaining to the staff of the neonatal intensive care unit.