Our Caregivers
We care. From the beginning it is important for us to establish a good working relationship. As we get to know one another, our hope is you will feel more comfortable approaching us and asking questions or making suggestions. We want you to be informed and involved in the choices about your baby's care. The more you know, the more involved you can be in advocating for your child. After all we share the same goal of providing the absolute best health care.
In the NICU we take a comprehensive approach to caring for your baby. Our team of professionals begins with you. Your baby can tell you apart from other people by the sound of your voice, the feel of your touch and even the smell of your skin. This gives your baby a sense of security and belonging.
Along with your love our team of professionals includes:
Pediatrician: A pediatrician is a physician who specializes in the care of babies and older children. Your pediatrician directs your baby's care in the hospital and will be your baby's doctor after discharge.
Neonatologist: A neonatologist is a pediatrician who specializes in the care of sick or premature babies. In the Level III nursery, your pediatrician will ask a neonatologist to manage your baby's care. There is a neonatologist in the hospital 24 hours a day to respond to changes in your baby's condition.
Consulting Specialists: Your baby's pediatrician or neonatologist may ask other physicians to see your baby. These doctors specialize in different body systems and may recommend additional medical care or tests to help your baby get well.
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner: A neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP) is a registered nurse who has advanced education, experience and skills in caring for sick or premature babies. These nurses work closely with the neonatologists to plan your baby's care every day.
Lactation Consultants and Breastfeeding Educators: Nurses with advanced knowledge about the benefits of breastfeeding are available to assist you with your breastfeeding and breast pumping needs.
Neonatal Respiratory Therapist: The neonatal respiratory therapist cares for babies with lung disease or breathing problems. These therapists will manage your baby's ventilator or oxygen support and will also perform tests that help determine the condition of your baby's respiratory system.
Neonatal Clinical Pharmacy Specialist: A pharmacist specializing in newborn medications is in the Level III nursery throughout the week. Having advanced knowledge of how medicines work together can help your baby get better and stay healthy.
Neonatal Dietician: The neonatal dietician monitors your baby's nutritional needs daily to help your baby grow strong.
Social Worker: Having your baby in the NICU can be very difficult. The NICU social worker can help you during your baby's hospitalization by providing support, community resources or other assistance that you might need.
Occupational Therapist: The occupational therapist works with your baby to make sure muscles and bones develop like they should. They also help your baby learn to bottle feed.
Child Life Specialist: The child life specialist teaches families developmentally appropriate activities for their infant. When families live a long distance from Woman's Hospital, the child life specialist ensures that the infant receives extra nurturing.
Financial Counselor: A financial counselor is available to assist with any questions regarding your financial obligations.
Other Members of the Health Care Team: You may see other personnel working with your baby in the NICU. Each of these individuals makes a unique contribution to your baby's care. Members of this group may include patient care technicians, unit secretaries, lab technicians, and X-ray / ultrasound personnel.
