Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU)

Expectant parents do not plan on complications with the birth of their child. However, if your newborn needs extra care, CommonSpirit Health neonatal intensive care units (NICU) and highly skilled neonatologists and neonatal nurses provide the specialized care your child needs.

Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU)

Expectant parents do not plan on complications with the birth of their child. However, if your newborn needs extra care, CommonSpirit Health neonatal intensive care units (NICU) and highly skilled neonatologists and neonatal nurses provide the specialized care your child needs.

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Our NICU care teams

The expert staff at every CommonSpirit birth center can identify when your baby needs the specialized care provided by a NICU facility.

Many members of our NICU team have more than 20 years of experience caring for families. APPs are available to attend high-risk deliveries and are involved throughout your baby’s entire stay at the hospital.

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Our team of compassionate, experienced NICU specialists includes:

  • Neonatologists (doctors who specialize in the care of premature and critically ill newborns)
  • Perinatologists (doctors who specialize in maternal-fetal care)
  • Pediatricians
  • Neonatal Nurses
  • Advanced Practice Providers (APP) available 24/7
  • Developmental specialists
  • Respiratory therapists
  • Perinatal Nurse Navigators (PNN)
Levels of neonatal care

Not all neonatal care facilities offer the same types of care. Depending on your baby’s condition, a different level of care may be appropriate for his or her needs.

Level I facilities provide a basic level of care for infants who are at a lower level of risk. Infants cared for at Level I facilities are typically stable, meaning they’re able to breathe on their own and maintain their own body temperature. Level I facilities also provide limited care for infants who are ill until they can be transferred to a higher-level facility.

Level II facilities generally care for infants who are stable or moderately ill. These babies are born prematurely and/or have health problems that are expected to resolve. Infants at level II facilities may not be able to maintain their own body temperature to take oral feedings. All Level II facilities have equipment and personnel available 24/7 to provide care and address emergencies.

Level III facilities care for infants who are premature and/or have medical problems. Admitted infants have a medical condition that requires a higher level of care. Level III NICUs have personnel and equipment available to provide life support as necessary, and equipment and personnel are available to provider care 24/7.

Level IV facilities are similar to their Level III counterparts but have additional capabilities to care for infants requiring surgery or special cardiac support. A specialized infant transport would be arranged if your baby requires Level IV care.