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Chandler Regional’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is a level II E, meaning we are fully equipped to care for high-risk, premature and sick babies. We understand having your precious baby in the NICU can be a scary and overwhelming experience—and are here to keep you engaged and informed every step of the way.
Family Centered Care In The NICU
Our neonatal intensive care team is comprised of a neonatologist, respiratory therapist, registered nurses—and you. As part of our philosophy of family centered care, we encourage you to touch, hold, bathe, change and feed your baby as often as is appropriate for their condition. This will help make your baby’s transition home easier.
- Premature or sick babies require very low stimulation, so we do our best to provide a quiet, dimly lit environment whenever possible.
- We encourage you to help with clustered care, meaning all care is done at one time so your baby can get back to the safe, womb-like environment to rest, heal and grow.
- Because of your baby’s fragile condition, you may not always be able to hold or touch them. There are other things you can do such as providing a clean cloth with your scent, a gentle non-moving hand, or assisting with a diaper change or weight check.
- Every time you or a visitor enters the NICU, you must wash your hands. Hand washing is also necessary after touching your cell phone, camera and changing a diaper. Infection prevention and control are very important in the NICU, and we ask that you use the sanitizing gel before touching your baby each time.
Please feel free to express your concerns and ask your doctors or nurse questions about anything you may not understand regarding your baby’s care. The well-being of your baby is our primary concern.
About Your Baby’s Care
Your baby will be connected to a variety of equipment:
- Monitors are used to track your baby’s heart and respiratory rates, oxygen saturation level and blood pressure. An alarm will sound if anything is out of normal range.
- A medication pump containing fluids and prescribed medications will be delivered through an IV in your baby’s arm.
- Most babies in the neonatal intensive care unit will need help to breathe properly. There are several types of oxygen delivery systems and your baby may be on a number of them based on his or her condition at different times during their stay.
Please ask questions about anything you do not understand—we want to ease your fears and concerns.
Learn More About Chandler Regional’s NICU
For more information about our neonatal intensive care unit, please call (480) 728-3160.
