Neonatal care that’s right for your newborn

If your baby needs extra care, we’re ready to help. In neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) we provide advanced care to newborns with genetic, chronic or critical health conditions. At Ascension sites of care, our NICUs have specially trained care teams including board-certified neonatologists, neonatal nurses, pediatric surgeons, and pediatric respiratory therapists. When your baby transfers to a NICU, they have a neonatal care team available 24/7 to monitor their condition and keep you updated throughout their care, including:

• Blood pressure
• Body temperature
• Digestion
• Growth and development
• Heart and lung function
• Kidney function
• Weight gain and more

NICUs have four levels of designated care for your baby’s specific needs:

• Level I - Traditional nursery, also known as a “well-baby nursery,” provides care for full-term babies and premature newborns in stable condition
• Level II - Intensive care for babies born 32 weeks or later who are physically underdeveloped and need breathing and feeding support
• Level III - Babies born before 32 weeks, who have critical illnesses and need a higher level of care including sustained life support
• Level IV - Highest level of neonatal care with surgical treatment options for complex medical conditions

Specialty care for newborns with health conditions

Neonatal doctors and care teams are prepared to support you and your baby. Our NICUs provides care for many newborn health conditions, including:

• Anemia (low red blood cell count)
• Apnea (interrupted breathing during sleep)
• Failure to thrive
• Genetic disorders
• Feeding problems
• Low blood sugar
• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
• Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
• Pneumonia
• Respiratory distress syndrome
• Jaundice (yellow discoloration of skin and eyes)
• Sepsis (inflammation caused by infection)
• Ventricular septal defect (hole in heart)

Having a newborn in NICU affects the whole family. Neonatal care teams listen to understand you and answer all your questions. We can also help connect you and your loved ones with emotional and mental health support, including family and peer counseling.

Financial assistance and support is available

We can connect you with resources and programs that may be able to help you and your family with options for financial assistance. Our team is here to listen to your concerns and work with you to help find options that meet your needs. Talk with our financial assistant as a first step, if you have questions.