When your baby is in the neonatal intensive care unit, called N-I-C-U or NICK-yoo, you may feel that your whole world has been turned upside down.

It may help to know that the NICU is a place where everyone is caring for the health of your baby.

Here's some information about how the machines and the people in the NICU are helping your baby.

The wires placed on your baby help the doctors keep track of your baby's vital signs-- things like temperature, blood pressure, breathing rate, and heart rate.

The beeping, flashing lights, and the numbers on screens let the staff know how your baby is doing.

The tubes give oxygen, fluids, or medicines.

Your baby's care team includes doctors, nurses, and other people who are specially trained and devoted to babies like yours.

You may feel helpless at times because you have to rely on others to care for your baby.

But remember, you are an important member of your baby's health care team.

The staff understands that you're new to the NICU.

They expect you to have lots of questions about what everyone is doing and the equipment they are using.

The staff will teach you what you can do for your baby, answer your questions, and support you in spending as much time with your baby as you can.

It may not feel comfortable at first, but it's okay to speak up for your baby.

In fact, it's good for your baby's health.

For example, you can ask why your baby is getting a medical test.

You can ask about the medicines your baby gets.

And you can always tell the staff if you think something is not right.

Here are some other things you can do while your baby is in the NICU.

You can talk to your baby. You can even read or sing to your baby.

He or she already knows your voice and will be comforted by the sound.

You can feed or be with your baby during feedings.

You can touch your baby.

At times during a stay in NICU, you may not be able to pick up your baby, but you can hold your baby's hand or foot.

And here's something you can do best of all, love your baby.

It can be hard to see your baby in the NICU, but as you learn your away around, you may start to feel more comfortable.

And by working with the NICU staff, you'll know you are doing everything you can to give your baby the best care possible.