What does neonatal care involve and how can I support my child’s development?
Written in association with:
Paediatrician
Published: 16/08/2021
Edited by: Robert Smith
Dr Olga Kapellou is a highly regarded consultant paediatrician and neonatologist who takes great pride in providing necessary care to newborn babies who require specialist treatment. We recently spoke with her to discuss some of the treatments she offers.
Have a read of this interview to discover how she can be of assistance if you’re expecting a newborn soon or if you’re currently raising a child and you’re concerned about any health issues they may face.
We’d love to know more about your expertise. What does your practice as a consultant paediatrician and a neonatologist entail?
I offer unique expertise that has been developed to ensure that I am able to offer the very best advanced assessments and treatment to children who may experience health problems at birth until much later. You can visit my Top Doctors profile for a list of the services I offer.
Alongside my work at the NHS, I have a private practice at London's prestigious Portland Hospital. I work closely with a multidisciplinary team to ensure comprehensive care is given when appropriate.
I treat newborns who will need admission to the neonatal unit a well as infants and older children.
What conditions do you treat?
The conditions I treat are wide ranging, I care for children experiencing common paediatric symptoms and complex symptoms, including:
Reflux Colics Cow's milk protein allergy Faltering growth Rashes Development issuesWhat problems can arise for newborns?
The majority of births usually occur smoothly. However, problems can occasionally arise and require admission to a neonatal unit. It's often related to multiple pregnancies or growth restriction. One in 13 newborns are born early and usually have a low birth weight. Often in these cases, the neonatologist liaises with the obstetrician, attends the delivery and stabilises the newborn baby.
Sometimes unexpected problems arise at birth, for example, due to an infection or, in rare cases, more severe issues that may lead to brain injury for the baby. Newborn babies benefit greatly from the very latest diagnostic procedures such as newborn brain MRI and early therapy interventions. These optimise the outcome and help children achieve their full potential.
How do you help ensure that parents support their child’s development?
It's vital that I communicate with the parents in a way that is compassionate whilst supporting ongoing medical needs. I often offer annual check-ups as there can be very useful for assessing nutritional status, growth, development and any condition that may affect or interfere with wellbeing and school performance.
Parents are responsible for making the biggest difference in their child's life, and it’s an absolute privilege to be able to offer the support they need.
All children develop their skills, strength and abilities as they progress throughout childhood and beyond. Most babies do remarkably well, even following complications. It's mine and my team's duty to help them fulfil their potential.
If you require assistance from a paediatrician and neonatologist, we recommend getting in contact with Dr Olga Kapellou who is highly experienced. Click here for additional information related to her main areas of expertise and appointment availability.