Our Facility
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is designed to provide a quiet, restful environment for newborns, while allowing staff to deliver advanced care with the latest technology. We work with parents to provide an individualized plan of care to meet each baby’s unique needs.
Patient Story: Identical Twin Sisters - Their Story of Survival
At just 20 months old, identical twins Olivia and Cameron are inseparable. After what they endured during their first weeks of life, it’s no wonder they have an unspoken bond. Watch their story:
Developmentally Supportive Care
All babies use special "body language" or signals to communicate. Babies born prematurely or with medical problems communicate in their own special ways. NICU staff members are trained to help you learn to read your infant's signals so you can determine when your baby is ready for interaction, or how to help your baby when he or she is stressed or over-stimulated.
Other Developmentally Supportive Care Strategies Include:
- Scheduled quiet times to ensure periods of undisturbed rest for your baby.
- Lighting – The NICU is equipped with skylights that let in natural light. We also utilize a cycling of light to enhance proper day/night rhythm in babies and an individual light level for each baby that is appropriate for that infant's level of maturity. For example, very small infants may need to spend much of their time in a darkened environment that more closely mimics the mother's womb.
- Sound – The NICU has quiet equipment and an acoustically optimized nursing station to keep noise levels down.
- Nesting – Soft bumpers or blanket rolls are placed around the baby to provide containment and security.
- Clustered care – Staff try to perform all tests or procedures at a time that minimizes disruption and stress for the newborn.
Pain Management
Our comprehensive pain management program for babies includes a variety of methods for infants requiring special treatments. We do everything possible to minimize discomfort to your baby.
Transition Rooms
Once your baby is stable, parents and family members may use special transition rooms when visiting with the baby. The rooms are also available for parents to stay overnight with their baby in preparation for discharge. You may receive special instructions on caring for your baby during these stays – designed to increase your comfort level with your baby before going home.
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Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Guidelines
Parents are encouraged to visit the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and may do so 24 hours a day. We suggest the following guidelines for you and loved ones who want to visit with you and your baby:
- To protect confidentiality, we can only give information about the baby to the baby's parents.
- To ensure babies get the rest they need, we ask that no more than three people at a time be at the baby's bedside, and one should be a parent.
- Newborns are particularly susceptible to infection. Staff will show parents and visitors how to clean their hands to protect the baby from infection. The nurse caring for your baby will advise you of any additional precautions. Please do not allow anyone to visit who has a cold, cough, skin rash, diarrhea or has been exposed to contagious diseases such as chicken pox, strep throat or flu.
- Parking is available in the Quigley Garage, next to the New Britain Campus main lobby. Parking validation is available for parents of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit babies.
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Bonding
We encourage parents to spend as much time with their newborns as possible. Most babies can be held, even with special equipment. You will be able to touch your baby while he or she is in an isolette. Softly talking, singing or reading to your baby can be soothing to both parent and newborn.
Staff can teach you bonding techniques like “kangaroo care,” in which the baby is placed on your bare chest for skin-to-skin contact.
One of the most difficult experiences for parents of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit babies is having your baby hospitalized after you go home. It’s important to remember that you are a vital partner in helping your baby receive the best and most advanced care possible.
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Visiting Hours *
Parents – Anytime.
Parent with visitor (14 years or older) – Noon-8 p.m.
Siblings aged 2-13 years – By arrangement with neonatology staff.
* In the NICU, maximum is 3 visitors per baby (one designated caregiver with a hospital ID band may be accompanied by 2 additional visitors).
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