NICU
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Some infants require special care due to prematurity or other conditions after birth. Deaconess Henderson Women’s Services sets a standard of excellence in providing the highest-quality care to our communities’ tiniest babies.
Our neonatologists and NICU team round on a daily basis to provide updates on your baby’s care and progress. We explain equipment being used and what testing may be required. We are here to answer any questions you may have.
Expert Team
The goal of the NICU team is to help babies and families get home healthy, happy and as soon as possible. These experienced professionals work together to provide comprehensive, state-of-the-art care for your baby.
Our family-centered care team includes:
- Parents
- Board-certified neonatologists
- Registered nurses
- Occupational therapists
- Respiratory therapists
- Physical therapists
- Speech therapists
- Lactation consultants
- Registered Dietitians
- Social workers
- Deaconess pharmacy
- Chaplain
NICU Developmental Care
Our Developmental Care program is designed to provide supportive interventions and parent education to help your baby’s body and brain grow and develop. Our Developmental Care team is committed to creating a therapeutic environment that mimics the mother’s womb to support your baby’s healing process.
Comprehensive Team
- Parents
- Board-certified neonatologists
- Physical therapists
- Occupational therapists
- Speech language pathologist
- Registered nurses
- Registered respiratory therapists
Our developmental specialists support babies and families with individualized care and help educate parents on activities based on their baby’s developmental needs. Some services may include:
- Handling
- Swaddling
- Head control
- Feeding
- Head shaping
- Positioning
- Skin-to-skin
- Massage
These interventions help babies’ brains, nerves and muscles mature and grow and allow families to be a primary part of their baby’s care. Also, we help to provide and educate on nurturing techniques through touch and massage that decrease stress and help your baby sleep, which is important for brain development.
Premature babies have special needs. Our goal is to deliver treatments and guidance that promote a more healthy development and foster a family-centered approach to address your baby’s special needs.
Breastfeeding Services for NICU babies
If your baby needs intensive care in the NICU, breastfeeding support is still available. Our lactation consultants can teach you how to express milk using a breast pump and support you as your milk supply changes. The team coordinates with the neonatologist and NICU nursing staff to ensure pumping and breastfeeding goals are met.
Going Home
Like most parents, you are probably anxious to take your baby home. Before discharging your infant, our NICU team will ensure that the recommended screening guidelines by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) are completed and that both baby and parents feel confident and prepared to return home.
Baby Preparation
Before going home, it is important that your baby is:
- Breathing on his or her own with stable vitals
- Maintaining proper body temperature in an open crib
- Feeding from either a bottle or the breast
- Gaining weight steadily
Parent Preparation
To be prepared to care for your baby, you should:
- Feel comfortable handling and feeding your baby
- Be able to take your baby's temperature
- Know how and when to give any medication your baby may need
- Have a car seat available to transport your baby home
Parent Care
Before your baby is discharged from the NICU, you and your baby will stay the night in our Parent Care. By “rooming-in,” you get the opportunity to care for your baby with the comfort of knowing the NICU team is available to answer questions and provide support.
