CPAP: Gentle Support for Growing Lungs
What It Means
CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure.
It provides a gentle flow of air through soft nasal prongs or a small mask to help keep your baby's lungs open between breaths.
Unlike a ventilator, CPAP does not breathe for your baby. Instead, it helps make breathing easier.
Why It's Important
Premature lungs are still developing and may collapse more easily.
CPAP helps:
Keep tiny air sacs open
Reduce the work of breathing
Improve oxygen delivery
Support healthy lung development
Many babies gradually require less CPAP as they grow stronger.
What Parents Often Notice
You may see:
Small prongs in your baby's nose
Soft tubing connected to a machine
Gentle bubbling or airflow
Nurses checking the fit frequently
💛 Parent Tip
Seeing CPAP can feel overwhelming at first. Remember that needing CPAP doesn't mean your baby isn't improving. In fact, many babies gradually move from higher levels of support to lower levels before breathing completely on their own.
Questions You Can Ask
What CPAP setting is my baby on today?
Has it changed recently?
What improvements are you watching for before lowering the support?
How can I safely hold my baby while on CPAP?
