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 The parents of our patients are always welcome in our unit. Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) staff shift change occurs daily between 6:45 and 8:00am, and 6:45 and 8:00pm. Parents are asked to step out of the unit during those times. This allows for a smooth transition to the on-coming staff, and minimal disruption to our patients. If parents are unable to be with their baby, they may phone the unit for information. A toll-free number is available for families that live outside the local calling area.
For single parents, a significant other can provide emotional support during the time you are with your baby.
The baby's brothers or sisters are encouraged to come with a parent, as long as they are healthy (no runny nose, fever, rash or diarrhea) and have not been recently exposed to communicable diseases, such as coughs, colds, chicken pox, etc. During cold and flu season, siblings may not be allowed to come into the NICU to help us protect our tiny patients. Children must always be supervised by an adult and shorter visits may be recommended.
Other family members and friends (over 14 years of age) are invited on the unit in the company of a parent, They also must be healthy and without exposure to communicable disease. The NICU limits the number of people at the bedside and encourages your visitors to understand the need for a quiet environment for your baby. Questions regarding your infant should come from the parent and only parents will be given information about their child.
Parents and their visitors may be asked to step out of the unit in times of crisis involving one of our patients. This practice will assure safety and privacy for our patients. When this need occurs, we greatly appreciate your cooperation.
Parent education is an important part of the plan of care. The staff is available to address you questions and concerns. Throughout your baby's stay, you will learn about basic care techniques, observing and knowing your baby's stress and stability cues, as well as specific information you may need to care for your baby. Parent's whose infants will be discharged with special needs will receive the appropriate teaching and support prior to discharge as well as follow-up planning.
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