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  3. Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) and Special Care Nurseries
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Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) and Special Care Nurseries

In some cases, your newest family member may greet the world early, undergo a difficult delivery or be born with an illness. We provide a higher level of support for these times through our Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) and Special Care Nurseries.

Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs)

Our NICUs are equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology and staffed around the clock by board-certified neonatologists (specialists in newborn care) for babies who need a higher level of care. Your baby's NICU team will include team members from many disciplines based on the needs of your baby. NICUs typically focus on infants born before 32 weeks and those weighing less than 1,500 grams.

While covering your baby's medical needs, we also provide a calm, relaxing environment that allows you to bond with your baby. We believe in family-centered care and encourage you to ask questions and stay with your baby when possible.

To help babies thrive, we provide essential resources, including a committed, highly qualified team of specialists. You'll be in close collaboration with our staff, which includes:

  • Dieticians
  • Board-certified neonatologists
  • Lactation consultants
  • Neonatal nurse practitioners
  • NICU nurses
  • NICU-trained respiratory therapists
  • Pharmacists
  • Physical, occupational and speech therapists
  • Social workers and hospital chaplains

Our shared goal: A healthy baby and parents who feel more confident caring for their infant and themselves.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Locations:

  • Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in partnership with Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters
  • Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center in partnership with Children's National Health System 
  • Sentara Princess Anne Hospital

Special Care Nursery

Our special care nurseries are for newborns who need advanced medical attention and may exhibit health problems such as prematurity, jaundice, trouble eating or staying warm. Babies in this unit are often born at 32 weeks or later, weigh around 1500 grams (3.3 pounds) or more and may have health challenges that are best monitored by special teams. These babies may have also been recently moved out of a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Our special care nurseries bring together skilled experts and the latest technology to help your baby.

Sentara caregivers understand it can be overwhelming when parents are introduced to new equipment to care for babies. Our focus is on helping you feel more at ease while interacting with your baby. Bonding with your baby in our special care nursery is important and can positively affect your baby's health - and your confidence as a new parent.

Board-certified neonatologists direct our special care nurseries, and neonatal nurse practitioners and registered nurses staff them around the clock. Together, they provide your baby with the expert medical care and love he or she needs. Other support staff, such as pharmacists and lab technicians also assist with your baby's care.

During your baby's stay in the special care unit, we encourage parents to visit often. We also gently remind you that our team is here to support you during this challenging time. We encourage you to care for your own health and needs. When the time comes, our discharge team offers additional guidance and support for transitioning to caring for your baby at home.

Special Care Nursery Locations:

  • Sentara CarePlex Hospital 
  • Sentara Leigh Hospital
  • Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital 
  • Sentara RMH Medical Center

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