Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Childbirth is nothing short of a miracle, but when a baby is born too soon,
too small or with complications, our highly respected
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is there: offering the advanced capabilities
and expertise needed to ensure your miracle grows and thrives.
As a Level III NICU, we offer round-the-clock, state-of-the-art care to
critically ill newborns. Staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week by
CHOC-affiliated neonatologists and a highly trained nursing staff, we
specialize in creating exceptional outcomes for even the smallest of babies.
Our NICU is designed to accommodate the most sophisticated technology available,
as well as today's newest innovations in neonate care. We encourage
and support Kangaroo Care (skin-to-skin contact between parents and baby)
as well as breastfeeding. Experienced nurse lactation specialists offer
individualized instruction and support, helping new mothers provide this
important nutrition in the way that works best for the infant and the
parents at each stage of the baby's development.
When a baby requires care in the NICU, it is a stressful time for the entire
family. But at St. Jude Medical Center, we’ve made it a little easier:
new moms and dads can have the reassurance of watching their baby grow
and develop from their computer or mobile device.
Learn More
About Our Team
Infants within the St. Jude Medical Center NICU benefit from the combined
expertise of a highly experienced multidisciplinary team. Led by board-certified
neonatologists affiliated with Children's Hospital of Orange County,
our compassionate and dedicated team includes:
- neonatal registered nurses
- respiratory care therapists
- developmental therapy specialists
- pharmacists
- certified lactation specialists
- social workers
- chaplains
Many different specialties with just one goal: helping your baby grow stronger.
Why Level III Care Matters
A high-risk infant born in a hospital with a Level III NICU has a significantly
higher chance of survival than an infant born at a hospital without a NICU.
Most of the babies born at St. Jude Medical Center never require the specialized
care provided by our Level III NICU. But their parents have the confidence
and peace of mind that comes from knowing, if needed, today's most
advanced care is available just down the hallway.
Visitation
To reduce risk of infection and create a therapeutic environment, only
immediate family members are allowed on this unit. Please contact the
NICU for more information at (714) 626-8522.