Neonatology in Chapinero

Neonatology is a field of medicine that focuses on caring for newborn babies, particularly ill or premature newborns. It is a subspecialty of paediatrics. A medical professional who specializes in neonatology is called a neonatologist. The difference between a paediatrician and a neonatologist is that, while paediatricians are qualified to solve most health problems of newborns, neonatologists are trained specifically to handle the most complex and high-risk situations. Neonatologists can also provide antenatal consultation for women with certain risk factors, such as multiple births. 

Neonatologists’ main patients are newborn infants who are ill or in need of special medical attention due to congenital malformations (birth defects), low birth weight, prematurity, intrauterine growth restriction, pulmonary hypoplasia, seizures, hydrocephalus, birth asphyxia, or sepsis. In general, a neonatologist provides the following care:

• Antenatal consultation (consultation during pregnancy) for women with certain risk factors or when a problem is identified before the baby is born.
• Care for newborns at delivery due to issues or conditions in the mother or baby that may require intervention in the delivery room.
• Diagnose and treat newborns with conditions, such as birth defects, infections, and breathing disorders.
• Make sure that critically ill newborns receive the correct nutrition to recover and grow.
• Medically manage newborns who are critically ill, born premature, or in need of surgery.
• Treat and stabilize newborns with any life-threatening medical problems.
• Give comprehensive care to newborn babies by involving obstetricians, paediatricians, and family physicians.
• Educates parents or caretakers about disease prevention and wellness.

Some diagnostic tests and treatments that neonatologists perform include newborn screening tests, imaging tests (such as CT scans and MRI), laboratory tests, APGAR scores, breathing treatments, phototherapy, and surgical procedures.

How Long Should I Stay in Chapinero?

The length of stay in Chapinero depends on the mother’s and the baby’s condition and the type of treatment they receive. In most cases, the baby may need to stay in the hospital for two to three weeks. However, you should not leave Chapinero immediately after your baby is discharged. It generally takes at least 8 weeks until it is safe for your baby to fly on an aeroplane or travel a long distance. 

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

The specific condition of your baby and the treatment they underwent will determine the recovery time. It can take a day to several weeks until the baby’s condition stabilises and then starts to improve.

What Aftercare is Required?

Your neonatologist will give you detailed instructions on caring for your baby during and after their recovery period. Make sure to follow all of the instructions. You may also need to take your baby for regular checkups. However, you can choose to have these checkups with your local doctor at home if you prefer. 

What's the Success Rate?

Neonatology continues to improve and advance each year. Advances in pediatric anaesthesia and airway management, the establishment of NICU, a better understanding of transitional neonatal physiology, and the introduction of total parenteral nutrition have improved the survival rates of newborn babies who need neonatal surgery. Of course, there are still risks and side effects to be aware of, but the procedures are now safer than ever.

Are there Alternatives?

For complex and high-risk situations in newborn babies, there are no other alternatives than seeing a neonatologist.