A Muslim Neonatologist in a Canadian NICU
What is the impact on a Muslim family of having a baby in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)? This chapter is written by a Muslim neonatologist, trained in the United Kingdom and Canada, who now works in a level III NICU in Edmonton, Canada. In addition to describing religious requirements and community traditions, the author suggests ways that these can be incorporated into the care of Muslim babies and families in our high-stress, technology-based NICUs. As a member of the Dawoodi Bohra sect (a subset of the Shi’a Muslim community), the author provides a brief background of the community’s spiritual heritage and their viewpoint on modern medical treatment. The living spiritual leader of the Dawoodi Bohras, the Da’i, is their source of authoritative decision making. The author explains how and why decision making in situations of critical illness is referred to the Da’i for His trusted advice.