Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
The NICU is for babies who are born prematurely or have other medical problems,
such as breathing difficulties, infections or conditions requiring closer
observation. Babies may remain in the NICU until they are discharged home
or transferred to the Couplet Care unit when stable for rooming in with
their mother.
- Special equipment is used to observe and monitor babies closely as well
as provide the correct balance of warmth, nourishment and oxygen if needed.
- The staff includes neonatologists, pediatricians, registered nurses, respiratory
therapists, lactation consultants, social workers, and occupational therapists.
- Another special group is our volunteer staff of “Cuddlers”
who provide the special service of holding babies to help enhance their recovery.
- To support family-centered care, the staff will frequently provide you
with a report of your baby's progress. Parents are encouraged to be
involved with their baby's care.
- The NICU is supportive of breastfeeding and has lactation consultants available
to assist you. However, if mom is unable to produce enough breastmilk,
human donor breastmilk is available.
- Your baby will be discharged from the NICU once intensive care and monitoring
is no longer required. The nurses will teach you how to care for your
baby and written discharge instructions will be provided upon discharge.
- Special bonds are formed between the nurses and families during their stay
in the NICU. Reunions are held every 5 years to provide a chance to renew
friendships and to see how the infants have grown.