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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. Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) are available to attend high-risk deliveries and are involved throughout your baby’s entire stay at the hospital.
Our team of compassionate, experienced NICU specialists
- Neonatologists: Doctors who specialize in the care of premature and critically ill newborns
- Perinatologists: Maternal-fetal medicine doctors who specialize in the care of complicated or at-risk pregnancies
- Pediatricians
- Neonatal Nurses
- Advanced Practice Providers (APPs): Neonatal nurse practitioners and physician assistants who work in the NICU and are available 24/7
- Developmental specialists: NICU-trained occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech-language pathologists
- Respiratory therapists
- Perinatal Nurse Navigators: Registered nurses who specialize in helping expectant families with complicated pregnancies
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 care for newborns above 35 weeks gestation who are at low risk. Infants cared for at Level I facilities are typically well infants, though these facilities may provide care for ill infants until they can be transferred to a higher-level facility.
Level II facilities generally care for infants who are mildly to moderately ill. These babies may be born prematurely between 32 and 36 weeks gestational age or have other health problems expected to resolve. Infants at Level II facilities may need assistance with thermoregulation, IV fluids, or support for 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 born extremely premature (before 32 weeks gestation) and with extremely low birth weights. These infants may have complex medical conditions requiring a very high level of care. Level III NICUs have the personnel and equipment available to handle emergencies and provide life support as necessary 24/7.
Level IV facilities are similar to their Level III counterparts but have additional capabilities to care for infants requiring complex surgical procedures and specialized cardiac and respiratory support. A specialized Neonatal Transport team provides transport if your baby requires Level IV care.