Your Baby's Care Team

Your care team will keep you informed about your baby's condition and answer any questions you have. We encourage you to ask questions at any time, and voice any concerns you have. You are also welcome in the NICU at any time, day or night. Here is some helpful information about connecting with your baby's care team.

Medical Team

Our clinicians work together to provide a complete range of newborn and surgical services. Many types of providers may be involved in your baby's care while in the NICU:

Neonatologists

Neonatologists are board-certified pediatricians with advanced training in the care of premature and ill newborns. They supervise all care of your baby. This is the doctor who is present in the nursery and responsible for what happens. At night and on weekends, other neonatologists are on call for the NICU.

The neonatologists on staff are UW Health physicians and UW School of Medicine and Public Health faculty members.

Neonatal Nurse Practitioners 

Neonatal Nurse Practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses certified in neonatology. In collaboration with the team they provide individualized care and treatment plans for our infants from the moment of delivery. 

Respiratory Therapists 

Respiratory therapists evaluate, treat, and care for premature infants whose lungs are not fully developed. They assume primary responsibility for all respiratory care therapeutic treatments and diagnostic procedures, including the supervision of respiratory therapy technicians.

Fellows and Residents 

Fellows are physicians training for careers in neonatology or perinatology. The close working relationship that exists between the pediatrics and obstetrics departments as well as the philosophy of the neonatal-perinatal training program assure a versatile and encompassing fellowship program. Fellows work closely and under the direction of a neonatologist for the highest quality of care for our littlest patients. Pediatric residents will also be caring for your newborn in the NICU. 

Consultants 

Consultants are physicians that specialize in certain areas of pediatric medicine or surgery. They are available to see your baby if needed.

Your Primary Care Provider 

Your primary care provider may take part in your baby's care. If your baby's primary care physician is not on our staff or is not in the Madison area, the neonatologists will update him or her on your baby's progress. When your baby goes home, your primary care physician will receive a copy of the discharge summary, so he or she knows your baby's medical needs.