By Dr. Bushra Adeel | Pediatric and Neonatal Specialist | Advanced International Hospital, Islamabad
Every parent dream of holding a healthy, full-term baby in their arms. But for some, that dream is interrupted by an unexpected turn—early labor, complications during delivery, or a baby born too soon or too small to thrive without medical help. In those moments, fear takes over. “Will my baby survive? Will they be normal? Am I going to lose them?”
These are the painful, overwhelming thoughts that flood parents’ minds when their newborn is rushed to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). As a pediatric and neonatal specialist, I, Dr. Bushra Adeel, have stood beside hundreds of families during this vulnerable time. And here’s what I want every parent to know: You are not alone, and there is hope.
What Is the NICU?
The NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) is a specialized medical unit designed to care for newborns who are premature, underweight, critically ill, or born with medical conditions that require immediate attention. These babies may need help with breathing, feeding, temperature regulation, or fighting off infections.
At Advanced International Hospital (AIH) in Islamabad, our NICU is equipped with the latest technology, incubators, ventilators (Invasive & Non-Invasive), and continuous monitoring systems—ensuring every fragile newborn receives round-the-clock, personalized care.
Common Reasons Babies Need NICU Care
Many parents don’t expect their baby will need intensive care. Here are some common situations where NICU admission becomes necessary:
- Premature Birth (before 37 weeks)
- Low Birth Weight (less than 2.5 kg)
- Breathing difficulties or Respiratory Distress Syndrome.
- Infections like sepsis or pneumonia
- Jaundice requiring phototherapy
- Birth trauma or congenital abnormalities
- Hypoglycemia or unstable body temperature
Each baby is different, and our care is always tailored to their specific needs.
The Role of a Neonatal Specialist Dr Bushra Adeel
Neonatologists play a crucial role that extends beyond clinical care. They actively educate and involve parents in their newborn’s daily care—covering essential practices such as feeding, hygiene, routine handling, and Kangaroo Mother Care, which encourages skin-to-skin contact and strengthens parent-infant bonding.
They also stress the importance of infection prevention, particularly proper hand hygiene, to maintain a safe and controlled NICU environment. In addition, neonatologists offer emotional support to help families navigate the stress and uncertainty of having a baby in critical care.
By engaging parents early in the care process, they empower them to become confident, capable partners in their child’s recovery—ultimately contributing to better outcomes for the newborn.
- As a Consultant Pediatrician & Neonatologist at Advanced International Hospital Islamabad, I specialize in the care of newborns who are born too early or too small.
- I manage babies born preterm (before 37 weeks), including those born extremely preterm (before 28 weeks), who require immediate and advanced support.
- I care for infants with low birth weight, very low birth weight, and extremely low birth weight, some weighing less than 1 kilogram at birth.
- My role includes stabilizing these fragile babies in the NICU, supporting their breathing, feeding, and maintaining their body temperature.
- I ensure proper infection control, monitor growth closely, and guide nutritional support, including breastfeeding and IV feeding when needed.
- I perform regular neurodevelopmental and eye screenings to detect and manage complications early.
- Just as importantly, I provide emotional support and education to parents, helping them understand their baby’s condition and preparing them for home care.
- Every gram, every breath, every heartbeat matters—and my goal is to give every premature or low birth weight baby the best possible start to life.
NICU at AIH: A Team Effort That Saves Lives
At Advanced International Hospital, the NICU isn’t just a unit—it’s a life-saving hub run by a skilled team of neonatologists, pediatricians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and nutritionists. We follow international protocols to ensure the best outcomes, but we never forget the heart behind the science.
Our priority is to stabilize, nurture, and support every newborn until they are strong enough to go home with their family. And we don’t stop there—follow-up care and growth monitoring continue even after discharge.
Conclusion: From Crisis to Comfort—You Are Not Alone
The NICU journey is not easy, but it is full of hope. I’ve seen babies who were born weighing less than 1 kg grow into healthy, joyful children. I’ve seen parents go from fear to faith.
If you find yourself facing this difficult path, please know that you are not alone. With expert hands and compassionate hearts, the team at Advanced International Hospital is here to care for your little one like our own.
To book a consultation with Dr. Bushra Adeel
Advanced International Hospital, G-8 Markaz, Islamabad
