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.
Nursing Staff
Whatever the situation, all of our nurses are ready and able to meet your baby's needs. Registered nurses specially trained to care for premature and sick infants are assigned to care for your baby 24 hours a day.
If your baby is in the NICU for a long period of time, a small group of nurses who will take primary responsibility for your infant's nursing care and the teaching that you will need prior to taking your baby home. They are referred to as a Care Team.
Other Staff
Social workers and the Family Liaison are available to offer you support and assistance in coping with the stress of having your baby in an intensive care nursery. They also can assist you with financial and insurance issues, and provide information about hospital and community resources.
Our unit dedicated dietitian will work with the care team in the advancing nutrition of your infant. They will be available, in conjunction with our International Board Certified Lactation consultants, to help work with you on a feeding plan during your stay and for transitioning home. Our team also includes a pharmacist, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, music therapist, milk technicians, cuddlers (volunteers) and many more.