NICU: Tiny Patients, Big Care

Molly rests peacefully in the arms of Brittany Tucker. She's been fed and changed and manages a small smile and sweet sigh. Soon, it will be story time and Brittany has a stack of books ready.

When Brittany went into labor unexpectedly with Molly at Franciscan Health Indianapolis, she was scared for herself and her baby.

"She was born and needed to build her lung strength and battle other developmental issues, but when I came to this hospital, I knew this was the right place," Brittany said, crediting her obstetrician for helping to make the process work.

The staff at Franciscan Health birthing centers ensure that soon-to-be mothers are under tender care and are well-informed of each step in the process. Attention to detail can assist the family's confidence and comfort as they welcome their new family member to the world. Franciscan Health Indianapolis' Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) team, along with the hospital's multidisciplinary team of labor and delivery staff, were in lockstep to ensure safe and efficient care for both mother and baby.

Like other newborns in need of specialized medical care in their first days of life, the teams at the Franciscan Health Indianapolis Neonatal Intensive Care Units strive to bring delicate and effective care to newborns with the help of the multidisciplinary team of labor and delivery staff.

How NICUs Help Struggling Newborns

Whether the overall health of the baby, the mother, or delivery complications, several conditions can require a newborn to receive NICU care within 24 hours after birth.

"Babies are admitted to a NICU if they are less than 36 weeks of gestation and have serious low birth weights, heart problems, infections, low blood sugar counts and any breathing problems needing respiratory support." Franciscan Health Indianapolis neonatologist Veronica M. Guilfoy, MD, said.

While not as common, babies born as twins or multiples are also usually placed under the care of NICU staff due to a higher chance of earlier births and smaller size compared to single-birth infants.

Some newborns may not be ill but still require specialized care, so families will be suggested a NICU due to the skilled professionals and advanced technology they offer. Franciscan Health continues to meet the expectations of patients and the state through partnerships.

Franciscan Health Partnerships Bring Compassionate Care To Its NICUs

Franciscan Health offers NICU care at its hospitals in Indianapolis, Lafayette and Crown Point. The state of Indiana recognizes and certifies a level III NICU hospital or birthing center when it holds the ability to care for the more complex medical conditions surrounding maternity, obstetrics, and infant health.

Franciscan Health Indianapolis NICU achieves its Level III certification for its 31-bed unit with the help of Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health.

"Our NICU in Indianapolis is special since it offers Level III care in a community setting, allowing our families here to stay close to their newborns in private suites," Dr. Guilfoy said.

Through a partnership announced last year, Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago neonatologists now staff the 20-bed Level III neonatal intensive care unit at Franciscan Health Crown Point.

"Our partnership in 2022 with Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, one of the finest preeminent centers for pediatric care, enhances the neonatal care our hospital has offered for more than a decade," said Franciscan Health Crown Point President and CEO Daniel McCormick, MD.

Alongside the Franciscan Health Indianapolis NICU, Franciscan Health Crown Point and Franciscan Health Lafayette East hold certified level III certifications from the state of Indiana. Additionally, the Dyer and Mooresville hospitals hold Perinatal Level of Care II certification from the state of Indiana, signifying the steps that the hospital has taken to provide specialty care for more complex maternal and fetal conditions and complications.

Across the state line in Illinois, Franciscan Health Olympia Fields serves its smallest patients through a Special Care Nursery Level IIE with Extended Neonatal Capabilities through the Illinois Department of Public Health's Perinatal Regionalization Perinatal Regionalization structure. The Olympia Fields birth center has an affiliation with Rush University Medical Center.

Leaving The NICU With Good Health And Confidence

Brittany explains that she and baby Molly had a positive and comforting experience with the Franciscan Health Indianapolis NICU team. Her experience reflects the benefits of partnership with other capable healthcare systems alongside a multidisciplinary approach.

By the time she left the Franciscan Health NICU, baby Molly weighed more than twice her birth weight.

"I've made so many good, lasting relationships and friendships with the people here," Brittany said. "They truly care for my baby and family."