Newborn ICU (NICU)
Your Baby’s NICU Care Team
What to Expect in the NICU
New babies come with lots of surprises. One thing you won’t want to leave to chance is their safety. Whether your child arrives too soon or has health problems at birth, take comfort in knowing the region's only Level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is right here at TMH.
About Our NICU
Our NICU is an intensive care nursery for babies who are born premature, have problems during the birth process or have health problems after birth. Depending on the level of care your baby needs, they may be admitted to either one of our NICUs, outlined below. Many babies begin in Level III and graduate to Level II before going home.
- Level III NICU: 19-bed unit for babies requiring the most intensive critical care
- Level II NICU: 13-bed Level II step-down or intermediate care unit
Our NICU is also equipped with 4 nesting rooms to help you get used to caring for your new baby before bringing them home.
Pre-register to have your baby at TMH to make the check-in process quicker and easier.
Fill Out Our OB Pre-Registration Form
Which Babies Need a NICU?
One in 10 babies born needs specialized care in a NICU, but many families won’t know it until their little one arrives. That’s why it’s so important to deliver your baby in a hospital fully prepared to handle their medical needs no matter when or how they arrive.
If your baby ends up needing a Level III NICU but is born in a facility without one, they’ll be transported to the nearest NICU equipped to handle their needs. For families in and around Leon County, that’s TMH.
Your Baby’s NICU Care Team
Your baby’s care team includes a robust team of specially trained professionals who are dedicated, experienced and deeply committed to providing the highest level of medical care, including:
- Neonatologists
- Neonatal nurse practitioners
- Pediatricians
- Neonatal nurses
- Respiratory therapists
- Pharmacists
- Dietitians
- Social workers
- Consulting physicians and specialists
- Music therapists
- NICU cuddlers
As a parent, you are an essential part of your baby’s care team too and will be actively involved in decision-making. We do everything possible to keep you and your family close to your infant when they are in the hospital, including promoting skin-to-skin time, or kangaroo care.
What to Expect in the NICU
Every parent who has a child in our NICU will receive a comprehensive NICU Welcome Guide, outlining everything you can expect during your child's hospitalization, from our visitor guidelines and an overview of the monitors and equipment you'll encounter, to each member of their care team and how to help comfort your child as they grow.
Please note, parents may designate four visitors of your choice who may visit your baby without you. These visitors must be over age 18 and have a valid photo ID. This list cannot be changed during your baby’s stay, so be sure to take your time filling it out. All other visitors must be accompanied by one of baby’s parents and be at least 18 years of age.
Only two visitors per family may visit at a time in NICU III and three visitors per family at a time in NICU II. Our NICU management team will consider special circumstances on a case-by-case basis.
Please reference our NICU Welcome Guide for a comprehensive overview of our NICU visitor guidelines.
NICU Patient Stories
Our highly-skilled NICU team has cared for thousands of babies through the years.
Read Their Stories