The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is a 25-bed, Level IIIb unit with approximately 375 admissions annually. We provide care to a full spectrum of newborns. They range from extremely premature infants, to term or near-term high-risk and critically ill babies, to babies less critical but still recovering and maturing. State-of-the-art medical care is provided, and supported by a wide-range of pediatric subspecialty consultants and ancillary services.
Medical services provided include:
- Multidisciplinary care for high-risk neonates
- High-frequency ventilation, including the oscillator and jet ventilators
- Inhaled nitric oxide therapy
- 24-hour, in-house coverage for high-risk deliveries
- Pediatric subspecialty consultations
Family Services
At Johns Hopkins Bayview, we are very cognizant of the need to support the families of infants hospitalized in our NICU. We recognize that for many families, having a newborn in the NICU is challenging and stressful. During this time, we offer numerous support services, including:
- Breast Pumping Room & Breast Milk Storage
For mothers desiring to provide breast milk for their newborns as they recover and grow. We also feature a breast pump loaner program. - Car Seat Testing
For infants less than 37 weeks (and others, as needed) prior to discharge. - Complex Congenital Heart Disease Screening
- Educational Materials
Handouts and books; videos available for in-hospital teaching. - Family Conference Room
For private conversations between families and the NICU medical team regarding an infant's status and ongoing care. - Health Maintenance for Newborns
- Hearing Screening with AABR
- Infant CPR Training
- Interpreter Services
We have Spanish interpreters on staff that are available 24 hours a day. The Johns Hopkins International Office and an interpreter service via the Cyracom phone system both are available in house. - Newborn Metabolic Screening
- NICU Family Library & Resource Center
Funded by the Johns Hopkins Children's Center Special Project Fund 2010; a desktop computer is available for use by parents (assistance from a medical librarian may be requested). - Parent Sleep Room
Provided for parents travelling from a great distance, and for new mothers to rest while visiting their infants. This sleep room and full bathroom were fully renovated in May 2004 through a charitable donation by several local businesses. - Social Work Consultation
For every family of a NICU infant.