What is a neonatologist?
A neonatologist is a pediatrician with special training in the care of newborn babies, particularly those who are born early, are very small or become ill in the first weeks of life. They work with obstetricians before and during delivery so that a baby who needs help receives it from the first minutes.
When a baby may need a neonatologist
- Birth before 37 weeks (premature) or low birth weight
- Difficulty in breathing or need for oxygen support
- Low blood sugar, poor feeding or low temperature
- Significant newborn jaundice needing phototherapy
- Suspected infection or sepsis
- Complicated pregnancy or delivery, such as twins or a mother with diabetes or high blood pressure
- Birth defects needing early assessment
Meet Dr. Pankaj Kumar
Dr. Pankaj Kumar is a neonatologist and pediatrician at Sparsh Mother & Child Hospital. He holds an MD in Pediatrics from KGMU, Lucknow. His areas of care include newborn and premature baby care, newborn jaundice, feeding and growth concerns, and follow-up of babies through childhood.
Newborn care and NICU support
Babies who need extra help receive continuous monitoring of heart rate, breathing and oxygen levels, temperature support, respiratory support when necessary, phototherapy for jaundice and feeding support, including tube feeding when required. Parents are kept informed and are encouraged to take part in care, including kangaroo mother care once the baby is stable. Read about newborn and neonatal care and NICU care in Varanasi.
Follow-up after discharge
Premature and high-risk babies are followed up more closely for weight gain, feeding, hearing and vision screening, vaccination and development. Regular review helps catch problems early; see child growth and development.
Planning ahead for a high-risk delivery
If your pregnancy is high risk, discuss neonatal support with your obstetrician early. Sparsh's obstetric and newborn teams work in the same hospital, which helps when a baby needs immediate care after birth. See high-risk pregnancy care.
Learn more
World Prematurity Day: understanding premature birth and National Newborn Care Week explain how we support newborn health.
हिंदी में संक्षेप
नियोनेटोलॉजिस्ट नवजात शिशुओं, खासकर समय से पहले जन्मे या बीमार बच्चों के विशेषज्ञ होते हैं। डॉ. पंकज कुमार (MD पीडियाट्रिक्स, KGMU) स्पर्श अस्पताल में नवजात और बच्चों की देखभाल करते हैं। जरूरत पड़ने पर NICU सहायता उपलब्ध है।
Visit Sparsh in Chitaipur, Varanasi
Sparsh Mother & Child Hospital & IVF Fertility Center, Gokulpuram Colony, Chitaipur - Chunar Road, Kandwa, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221106. Open 24 hours. Call +91 80900 76144 or book an appointment online.
Frequently asked questions
What does a neonatologist treat?
Who is the neonatologist at Sparsh?
Will parents be able to stay with the baby?
How long does a premature baby stay in hospital?
Is follow-up needed after discharge?
Ready to talk to a specialist?
Book a consultation and our team will confirm your appointment. Every plan is made after an individual examination.
Medical information is general and does not replace an examination. Outcomes vary between patients. For an emergency, use appropriate emergency services.