Neonatology

MetroHealth’s highly qualified team of nationally recognized and board-certified neonatology experts, including physicians, registered neonatal nurses, neonatal nurse practitioners, nutrition specialists and other health care professionals, are dedicated to improving the health of your baby. 

Some of our experts have been working in the NICU for more than 20 or even 30 years. Our expertise in caring for some of the sickest and tiniest babies shows in our outcomes—including infant survival at our NICU. These measures have matched or exceeded the national average.

What is a NICU?

A NICU is a portion of the hospital dedicated to the care of premature babies and frail babies. After birth, these babies stay in the NICU until they are healthy enough to head home with their parents. We treat the most critically ill babies, including babies born much too early. Some remarkably tiny surviving babies born here are teenagers today, due in part to the care they received at MetroHealth.

While in our Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), your baby receives around-the-clock care and attention. We have state-of-the-art monitoring equipment to watch over your child's breathing, heart rate, temperature and other vital signs. If your baby needs the care of a specialist while in the NICU, they won't have to leave the NICU – our specialists come to you. 

Moms and Dads: Part of the NICU Team

Every morning, your baby's doctor reviews your baby's records with the team and determines the day's treatment plan. You are a part of that plan. Come in during morning rounds and hear what the doctors are saying about your baby and what should happen next.

Ask Questions
Asking questions during morning rounds is a great way to learn more about what is happening with your baby. If you have bigger questions about how your child is doing, what complications might come up and when your child is coming home, you are not alone. We developed a Parent Handbook just for NICU parents and encourage you to download and read it through. Ask your baby's doctor, nurse or any other team member about anything you don't understand.

Visit Anytime

• Come visit your baby in the NICU as much as possible. You can visit your baby anytime, day or night. Our open-door family policy ensures that you have as much time with your baby as you want.
• If you're struggling to make visits happen, tell us. We provide qualified families with bus vouchers and parking passes. We can sign you up with the MetroHealth van, so you'll have a chauffeur for your visits. Just let us know how we can help.

NICU Support Group
If you're feeling overwhelmed, ask about our NICU support group. Trained NICU staffers and parents of NICU graduates are here to listen to your worries and support you during your baby's stay.

Leaving the NICU

When your baby is ready to leave, we meet with you and discuss the discharge plan. We prepare you to help your baby adjust to life at home. We support and guide you through the transition, and answer questions as they arise. Once your baby leaves the NICU, the same expert team that cared for your baby in the hospital provides care through the Special Care Development Follow-Up Clinic (our Preemie Clinic) for as long as necessary.

Pediatric Team
Our team of expert pediatricians are ready to serve as your child's primary care physicians. We consider it a privilege to care for your baby and your family.

Ratings

• Voted #12 out of 50 top teaching hospitals in the US, ranked by Washington Monthly Magazine
• Lown Institute Ranks MetroHealth No. 1 in Ohio for Value of Care