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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