MedStar Georgetown University Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is the premiere destination for sick and/or premature infants in the region. Our team of expert physicians and experienced nurses treat the most critically ill babies with compassion and advanced treatments and services.
From Prenatal Care to Follow-up Support
MedStar Georgetown is experienced at treating babies who are born ill due to prematurity or as the result of a high-risk pregnancy. Babies delivered at MedStar Georgetown have immediate access to our NICU team. We also safely transfer babies born elsewhere who need urgent care. During your family’s NICU stay, use our support services, especially designed for our parents. Also, as our NICU patients “graduate,” we offer transitional services within MedStar Georgetown for continuing care and therapies that complement the ongoing care provided by your pediatrician.
Supportive Care in a Nurturing Environment
Most parents ask the same initial question: can I hold my baby? Generally, MedStar Georgetown’s NICU is a “high-touch”—encouraging holding, touching and stroking your infant. “Kangaroo care,” where babies and care providers are skin-to-skin, is used to stabilize vitals, promote recovery, encourage bonding and stimulate breast milk production in moms. We strongly encourage moms to breastfeed; so much so that the D.C. Breastfeeding Coalition recognized our Lactation Center. However, if your baby is undergoing treatments or feeling unwell, holding him or her may have to wait.
NICU Family Support Program
Parents of “graduates” formed the NICU PAB (Parents Advisory Board) in 2009. In April 2011, the March of Dimes, an organization devoted to pregnancy and infant health, partnered with MedStar Georgetown to implement its NICU Family Support program. NICU Family Support addresses the needs of parents and families with infants in the NICU. The March of Dimes provides information, materials and practical advice. Read more about the March of Dimes NICU Family Support.
More about MedStar Georgetown’s NICU
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