NICU Team
In the NICU at the Children's Hospital at Montefiore, our extensive team of experts collaborates to deliver optimal care for your baby. We consider parents an integral part of that team. Getting to know your baby's doctors and nurses is the first step in taking an active role in his or her health.
Working Together
As an academic teaching hospital, we have pediatric trainees-interns, residents, and fellows, as well as nurse practitioners, physician assistants and attending neonatologists who provide medical care for the babies. Every baby in the NICU is assigned a medical provider (intern, resident, or practitioner) in addition to a neonatal fellow and attending neonatologist.
Each member of the NICU team brings special expertise to your child's treatment. Our health care providers also provide you with information, answer your questions, and offer support and insight. We encourage you to talk to all of your baby's care providers-the more you know about your baby's condition, the better you can participate in his or her care. Spanish language medical translators are available, as well as translators in other languages. American and Spanish sign language interpreters are also available to assist families.
Parents' Role
As a concerned parent, you play a vital role in your child's welfare. We'll keep you informed and involved as much as possible, with frequent updates on your child's progress and condition. Parents are invited to join the medical team during morning rounds, and we value your thoughts and questions. We can learn from your insights about your baby.
The NICU has a parent computer and a library of educational brochures and videos available. You're welcome to visit our Family Caregiver Support Center on the 4th floor to talk to a volunteer or use the computer when you need a respite from the bedside.
The Importance of Breast Milk
We encourage all mothers to provide breast milk for their critically ill babies, if possible. Experts agree that breast milk is the best nutrition for the majority of babies, especially sick or premature newborns who exhibit a failure to thrive. Even if you are not planning on breastfeeding after you take your baby home, there are tremendous health benefits to your newborn (and to you) if we can feed your colostrum and breast milk to your baby. We have lactation consultants on staff who can assist you, as well as breast milk storage facilities and breast pump rentals.
Perinatal and Neonatal Research
As an academic medical center and teaching hospital, CHAM is on the leading edge of perinatal and neonatal care. We've made massive strides in the past 50 years, vastly improving the survival and healthy development rates of high-risk infants. These advances are made possible by parents who graciously permitted their infants' participation in research studies designed to test or compare the benefits of various treatments.
After rigorously analyzing and reviewing your infant's case, we may request that your family participate in such a study. Patient confidentiality and safety is our highest priority, and participation is completely optional. If you're approached by one of our staff to participate in a study, ask as many questions as you wish, review materials carefully, and make sure you understand the purpose and goals of the study, as well as potential benefits and risks.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call the Neonatology office at 718-904-4105 during weekday business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm.