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NICU
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
The MetroHealth Birthing Center provides advanced care for our tiniest patients with a state-of-the-art, certified Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
More than a place to care for premature and critically ill babies, the MetroHealth NICU is a space for the whole family to be nurtured and begin to thrive.
What makes the MetroHealth NICU special?
Easy Access
The NICU—located within the new MetroHealth Birthing Center—is designed with your family in mind. The NICU is steps away from our labor and delivery rooms, so support for your baby is always available quickly.
Comforts of Home
With 42 private rooms—including five that offer dual occupancy for twins—your family will feel at home with private bathrooms, calming natural light and space for families to stay overnight.
Specialized Care
Our care team consists of highly-specialized neonatologists, experienced nurses, and a team of providers that include therapists, neonatal dietitians, speech language pathologists and social workers.
All-in-One Place Care
Unlike other hospitals, our NICU operating room is housed within our unit. If your baby requires surgery, all treatment will occur right within the NICU, all for baby’s comfort.
Nutrition Support
While your baby is in our NICU, you’ll have access to our nutrition room and a nutritionist. This allows us to analyze and optimize the breastmilk and other nutrients your baby receives.
Advanced Monitoring
Your baby will be connected to the latest in monitoring technology, allowing our nurses and specialists to immediately respond to your baby’s needs.
Your NICU Journey
Family-Centered Care
Many families choose MetroHealth for pregnancy care because of our well-respected Maternal-Fetal Medicine program for high-risk pregnancies. Sometimes, high-risk pregnancies mean your baby will need extra care once they are born.
That’s why, if appropriate, your maternal-fetal medicine provider will connect you with our neonatology team before your baby is born, so you know what to expect in your baby’s first days in the MetroHealth NICU.
We’ll help you understand:
- How long your baby may need to stay in the NICU
- What care your baby will need when they go home
- Your role in your baby’s care
Your Baby’s Care Team
At the MetroHealth NICU, you’ll have a team of specialists working around the clock to care for your baby, helping them thrive. But there’s one specialist with unique expertise: you.
Every morning, your baby’s provider will review their records with the team and direct treatment. Being there during morning rounds will help you understand how your baby is progressing and what care they are receiving.
We encourage parents to:
- Visit anytime and even stay overnight. (If you have transportation needs, please let us know.)
- Ask questions, so you know what’s happening with your baby’s care.
Care That Doesn’t End When You Leave
For your baby’s first two years of life, we’ll continue to check in and care for them—making sure they have the best chance for a healthier life.
Days After Discharge
After your baby goes home, there may be a few days before the first pediatrician appointment. We provide a seamless transition with on-demand telemedicine visits that ensure your baby’s first days at home are healthy and happy.
Months After Discharge
Your baby will visit our Special Care Development Follow-Up Clinic until they are two years old. We’ll monitor for healthy growth and development and conduct developmental assessments at 6, 12, 18 and 24-month visits.
