Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU)
Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU)
When your newborn arrives earlier than expected or with health challenges, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Providence Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital is ready to tend to all of their needs.
Our neonatologists and other care providers specialize in treating our tiniest and sickest babies. They have the experience and advanced technology to help your newborn have a fighting start to life. But we know that knowledgeable doctors and sophisticated equipment are only part of what infants need. We make sure all babies in the NICU get plenty of love and we care for them as if they were our own, with around-the-clock attention and monitoring.
We also make certain that we’re taking excellent care of you. We understand your worries and know you’ll have a lot of questions. We keep you informed, offer support and allow you to spend as much time with your baby as possible.
We treat all types of medical conditions affecting young babies, including breathing difficulties, infection and defects present at birth. We also offer surgical services and care for chronic medical conditions.
Our treatment is based on your baby’s needs and your needs as a family. We put special emphasis on education and your involvement in your baby’s care. Part of that includes our “rooming in” program that allows you to stay in the hospital overnight with your little one. It’s intended to help increase your comfort level as you learn to care for your baby once you return home.
To make sure your baby has the best possible start in life after leaving the NICU, Providence offers special follow-up care. This service is available for babies born prematurely as well as full-term babies who had a low birth weight or a condition that could cause developmental delay. We also help children with birth defects or special care needs early in life.
Follow-up visits are designed to help monitor your little one and promote healthy development. They can also be a good opportunity for you to ask questions and talk about your concerns.
Services for you and your child include:
- Developmental screening and assessment for infants and toddlers
- Care coordination to help you connect with community services
- Education on developmental milestones and stages
- Activities and exercises to promote development
- Hearing assessment
A team of people will help care for your baby and your family, including:
- Breastfeeding consultants
- Case managers
- Chaplains
- Clinical educators
- Doctors such as neonatologists, pediatricians and family medicine physicians
- Health unit coordinators and support assistants
- Nurses
- Occupational therapists
- Pharmacists
- Registered dietitians
- Respiratory therapists
- Social workers