What to Look For in an NICU

Plan Ahead - What to Look For in an NICU

We encourage all mothers-to-be, especially those with high-risk pregnancies, to plan ahead for the possibility your newborn may need to be admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Your NICU Checklist

When researching NICUs, look for the following:

• Number of newborns treated annually and the outcomes
• Round-the-clock care, including neonatologists and respiratory therapists on-site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, as well as neonatal and pediatric surgeons at higher level NICUs
• The highest level of respiratory care
• A multidisciplinary team approach, with specialists available to meet the full range of newborn needs
• Evidence-based care and ongoing research, for the most up-to-date, proven treatments available
• A restful environment for babies that minimizes sound and light and reduces stimulation
• Parent participation in the baby’s routine care, to begin bonding with your newborn
• Nutritional care, including breastfeeding support and human donor milk policies
• Support programs for families with a baby in NICU
• Transition support, to help you care for your baby at home