NICU
The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) provides critical care to newborns who are ill or premature. Many factors may lead to a newborn being admitted to the NICU, including low birth weight or complications during delivery. The NICU staff works closely with parents to develop a treatment plan for their newborn.
Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Chattanooga, Tennessee
While everyone plans for the day that their child is born, not everyone plans on the possibility that they may need the NICU.
Parkridge Health System's NICU is designated as a Level III facility, meaning we have neonatologists, neonatal nurses and respiratory therapists on site at all times.
Our neonatal intensive care program
If complications arise, we have access to state-of-the-art life-support equipment. We care for babies born at 24 weeks gestation or later and those who have severe or complex conditions.
Our Level III NICU
While the vast majority of infants are born healthy and without complications, sometimes special care is needed. For those situations, the on-site NICU at Parkridge East Hospital provides care for mothers and babies in the same location.
The Level III NICU serves premature babies and healthy full-term infants with unforeseen complications that require special care. The unit provides around-the-clock individualized neonatal care by board-certified neonatologists, neonatal nurse practitioners and registered nurses who are on-site at all times. The sole focus of our staff is to provide compassionate, specialized care and intervention for newborn babies. We also have a full-service blood bank on site so you have access to lifesaving care if necessary.
FAQs
When your baby needs NICU support, it may feel overwhelming. We have answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
Why are NICU services important?
Sometimes a woman learns that her baby may be at risk for having complications at birth. However, women who have experienced perfectly healthy pregnancies can also experience unexpected complications at the end of their pregnancy or at birth. It is critical to have access to the appropriate specialized care immediately if complications arise and giving birth with us ensures that care is available 24/7, should your baby require special services.
Who will be taking care of my baby while in the NICU?
The NICU is staffed 24 hours a day with highly trained neonatal nurse practitioners, registered nurses and a neonatal respiratory therapist. There are also board-certified neonatologists who specialize in the care of sick newborns and are in-house or on call 24/7.
Can we visit our baby if it is sick?
Yes! The NICU has a family-centered atmosphere where parents and caregivers are encouraged to spend time with and help care for their baby. As your baby’s condition allows, we encourage breastfeeding, if desired, and have a private room for breastfeeding, pumping and milk storage.
My baby can go home — what's next?
Parents can opt for a night of "rooming in" before discharge. You can stay, if desired, in a hospital-type room just steps away from the NICU to get comfortable taking care of your baby, while still having the nurses available for any questions you have or reassurance you may need.
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