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Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where big journeys of newborns begin with small steps
The birth of a baby is a wonderful and very complex process. Many physical and emotional changes occur for both mother and baby. A baby must make many physical adjustments to life outside the mother s body. Leaving the uterus means that a baby can no longer depend on the mother s blood supply and placenta for important body functions. Before birth, the baby depends on functions from the mother which include breathing, eating, elimination of waste, and immunity.
The newborn s body must work together in a new way. In some cases, a baby has trouble making the transition outside the womb. Preterm birth, a difficult birth, or birth defects can make these changes more challenging.