Family-Centered Care
Parents are the most important member of the team! We understand that during your baby’s stay you may have many questions; please feel free to ask your bedside nurse or any other member of your baby’s medical team.
We encourage parents and family members to be present for daily rounds at your baby’s bedside. Rounds are led by your baby’s care team and the treatment plan is developed at this time. These typically take place from 9am-11am 7 days a week. This is an excellent time to ask questions to help understand your baby’s condition and we welcome your active participation.
Throughout your baby’s NICU stay, we will also guide you in hands-on care that is appropriate for your baby’s level of illness to help ensure bonding with your baby.
Parents are welcome to visit their infants 24 hours a day. Grandparents, siblings and other visitors are also welcome to visit, but we ask that a parent be present during these visits. Please realize that, given the confidential nature of medical information, we may, at times, request that they step out during discussions.
Siblings under the age of 14 are welcome to visit with a parent, however, they may be limited to 10 minutes at the infant’s bedside, depending on how sick the baby is. There must be an adult overseeing any children in the family visiting room while parents remain at their infant’s bedside. A limit of 4 visitors at a time at the bedside is requested. Changes may occur to visiting policy depending on infection risks in the community.
The NICU is a locked unit requiring all visitors to be let in through the door. ALL visitors must check in with the receptionist upon their arrival.
Parents and families are welcome to use our family waiting room at any time. There is a refrigerator, TV, video games, toys, books, and a washer and dryer for your convenience. Because all families have access to this area, we request that everyone be respectful to the number of people using the room. Parents are also welcome to stay overnight at their infant’s bedside. Please speak to your infant’s nurse for more information.
Because newborns and young infants are often at greater risk for infections, it is important that they be protected from exposures to people who are contagious. Before you visit, please take a moment to consider whether you, as a parent or visitor, or any child accompanying you, have been experiencing any of the following:
If any of the above symptoms are present, it would be best to POSTPONE YOUR VISIT until the symptoms are gone. A parent with cold symptoms must wear a mask completely covering the nose and mouth.
Remember that WASHING YOUR HANDS THOROUGHLY first will also help protect your baby. The staff at the front desk will instruct parents and visitors on proper hand washing.
Cell Phones
One of our most important jobs is to provide a safe and healthy environment for you and your baby. Cell phones present a serious infection risk for preterm and sick babies. Cell phones have been proven to carry many germs that can cause serious infections in infants.
Cell phones should be turned off or placed on vibrate mode while in the unit. They may be used for taking photos. We will be happy to take pictures of you and your baby for you with your phone.
To help maintain a quiet environment for the babies, you may text but please do not talk on phones in patient rooms. Phone calls can be made/taken in the Family Room or outside of the NICU. We ask you not to talk or text on your phone while holding your baby. Most importantly, wash or gel your hands after using your cell phone or camera.
Use of Camera & Video Equipment
Still photos and videos of your baby may be taken with your camera or video camera at anytime. If you so choose, professional photographers can provide portrait photographs prior to discharge. There is a fee for these photographs and arrangements may be made at the nurse’s station. Please do not photograph or videotape other infants in the unit.