Level IV NICU at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital

Doctors and critical care teams at Peyton Manning Children's Hospital at Ascension St. Vincent in Indianapolis deliver advanced care for even the smallest and most fragile young patients. As a Level IV neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), we deliver the highest level of care for critically ill newborns and those born prematurely. Our experienced on-site neonatologists provide care 24/7. At Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, your child and family are connected to pediatric specialists and specialty programs. From our NICU, we provide on-site consultation and care from pediatric medical and surgical specialists. And your family is connected to advanced imaging and respiratory support. The care your child and family needs is here, close to home.

Our multidisciplinary care team takes the time to explain your child’s diagnosis and answer all your questions – big and small. We work with you and your child’s other specialists to create a care plan that’s right for your child and family.

In the NICU at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, our doctors have the expertise to diagnose, treat and manage complex conditions, including:

• Bladder outlet obstruction (blockage in the bladder)
• Brain injury
• Bowel atresia (blockage in the small intestine)
• Cloacal bladder (exposed bladder)
• Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (a hole in the diaphragm)
• Congenital heart anomalies
• Congenital heart diseases
• Congenital lung malformations
• Diaphragmatic hernia
• Esophageal atresia
• Feeding difficulty
• Gastroschisis (a hole in the abdominal wall)
• Genetic disorders
• Genital anomalies
• Hydrops (fluid build-up or swelling)
• Infections
• Jaundice
• Stroke
• Metabolic disorders
• Neural tube defects (spina bifida)
• Omphalocele
• Prematurity (extreme prematurity)
• Pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs)
• Respiratory distress and failure
• Skeletal dysplasias
• Seizures

Family-centered care for critically sick newborns

At Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, our care teams provide a comfortable environment for your baby and family. Your NICU care team keeps you and your family involved in your child’s care. You are welcome to attend medical rounds and participate in your child’s neonatal care as much as possible. Web cameras are also used so you can securely watch your baby 24/7 on your Wi-Fi enabled device, such as a mobile phone, tablet or laptop.

Certified child life specialists are part of your child’s care team. These specialists support your family’s emotional health while your child is receiving care in the NICU. During some procedures, we may provide helpful distraction to your child. We also work with families to provide visual and sound stimulation for your baby, using pictures, artwork, music therapy and voice recordings.

Supportive care, including care for emotional and spiritual health, is available to your family. Social workers, chaplains and financial advisors are also part of your care team. Together, we deliver care that supports your family. Talk with your care team if you have questions or concerns. We can connect you with other care and services you may need.

Multidisciplinary care team

Our care team at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital collaborates to deliver care for premature and critically ill newborns.

Your family’s care team may include:

• Maternal-fetal medicine specialists
• Neonatologists
• Neonatal nurse practitioners
• Neonatal nurses
• Neonatal physician assistants
• Respiratory therapists
• Occupational, physical and speech therapists
• Registered dietitians
• Pharmacists
• Lactation consultants
• Social workers and case managers
• Surgeons
• Certified child life specialists
• Music therapists
• Language interpreters
• Other pediatric specialists

Supporting your preferences for breast milk in the NICU

Breast milk is full of antibodies your baby needs to be healthy. And it has essential nutrients for healthy growth and development. While in the NICU, if it is your preference, we work closely with you to make sure your baby is fed breast milk. But if your baby is born prematurely or your milk supply has been delayed, you may have the option for your baby to receive donor breast milk while they are in the NICU. Donor breast milk can provide the essential antibodies and nutrients your baby needs.

Transferring a patient to the NICU at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital

The NICU at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital provides care for babies throughout Indiana and beyond. Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital has a dedicated neonatal transport team to bring critically ill babies directly to a higher level of care – whether by ambulance, helicopter or plane. Led by a neonatologist, our NICU transport team includes experienced neonatal nurses and respiratory therapists. Our neonatal transport team has the specialized skills and advanced technology needed to care for babies while they are being transported.

To transfer a patient to the NICU at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, call 317-338-5000 and request a neonatal transfer. You will be quickly connected to a neonatologist and the transport team.

Financial assistance and support is available

If you and your family need financial assistance, we can connect you with resources and programs that may be able to help. Our financial counseling team is here to listen to your concerns and work with you to help find options that meet your needs.