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One of the first lessons of parenting is to expect the unexpected. When planning for the arrival of a new baby, you probably don’t anticipate needing a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). However, if your baby is born prematurely or develops any complications after birth, comprehensive care is vital. Here’s why you should choose a hospital with a NICU.
Benefits of delivering your baby at Inspira NICU
1. Access to Nemours Children’s Health Neonatologists
“Babies in the NICU require comprehensive care by a team of experienced neonatal providers who can ensure the best treatment possible to these tiniest patients,” said Ashish O. Gupta, M.D., chief of Neonatology from Nemours Children’s Health at Inspira Medical Centers Vineland and Mullica Hill. “In the NICU, babies receive specialized nursing care under the expert guidance of neonatologists, who are specifically trained in treating sick and premature babies.” Neonatologists work with advanced practice providers, NICU trained nurses, respiratory therapists and other staff members to ensure your baby receives the care they need.
2. 24/7 care for your newborn
“Babies receive around-the-clock care by our skilled nurses in the NICU,” said Dr. Gupta. “Having your newborn in the NICU can be overwhelming for parents. With neonatal providers available 24/7 in the hospital, someone is always there to address your concerns.” Constant care also allows parents and caregivers to take some much-needed personal time to recuperate and recharge after birth. Inspira’s NICU care team is always available to attend the delivery and assist your newborn infant when required for an urgency or emergency.
3. Immediate access to ancillary services
Ancillary care is the wide range of health care services that support a primary doctor’s treatment plan. In the NICU, your baby has easy access to these services. Ancillary services include:
- Respiratory therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
- Speech therapy
- Radiology
- EKG and echocardiography
- Lab services
- Dietary services
- Social workers
- Pharmacy
- Lactation support
“Newborn care in the NICU is complex and requires coordination with multiple specialists,” said Dr. Gupta. “With your baby in the NICU, you have easy access to these services, which helps your baby thrive.”
4. Access to your baby throughout their stay
A baby born at a hospital without a NICU may need to be transferred to another location for specialized treatment while the birthing parent recovers from labor. However, a benefit of choosing a hospital with a high level NICU is that you and your newborn won’t need to be separated if immediate NICU care is required. This gives an opportunity for mother and baby to bond and assists with breastfeeding.
Level 3 and Level 2 Neonatal Intensive Care at Inspira Health
Inspira Health offers high-level, around-the-clock newborn care. Inspira Medical Center Vineland is home to the Deborah F. Sager Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. This level 3 NICU provides intensive care for babies of all gestational ages. Inspira Medical Center Mullica Hill has a Neonatal Intermediate Care Unit, a NICU step-down unit for less intensive care.
In partnership with Nemours Children’s Health, a nationally recognized pediatric hospital, Inspira provides access to Nemours neonatologists. In collaboration with Inspira’s specially-trained nurses, Nemours neonatologists offer comprehensive care to meet your baby’s needs. For high-risk pregnancies, Nemours neonatologists work with your ob/gyn or certified nurse midwife to increase the chances of successful labor and delivery.
At Inspira, we know that NICU stays can be exhausting for everyone. Our Ronald McDonald Family Room at Inspira Medical Center Vineland offers a place for families to relax during long NICU stays. Our goal is to make you as comfortable as possible while addressing your baby’s medical needs. Learn more about neonatal care at Inspira.
Inspira Health is a high reliability organization (HRO), which means safety is the top priority for patients and staff. To make an appointment, call 1-800-INSPIRA.
