Get acquainted with the NICU

What we offer
When parents may call or visit
Map, directions and parking
Practical, emotional and spiritual support for NICU parents
CMN-Lions Family Guest House: A home away from home
Neonatal Mobile Intensive Care Unit ambulance

More resources

Childbirth Services at Sacred Heart
Healthwise Knowledgebase has more information about NICU care

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What we offer Care of infants in the NICU may be as simple as providing minimal support before returning the baby to mother or may be as complex as state-of-the-art ventilation with nitric oxide therapy, multiple IV therapies and procedures requiring a high degree of skill and training. The unit uses a developmentally focused care model and has been remodeled to support that care model.

The NICU is staffed by neonatologists (physicians specializing in the care of newborns) and a team of nursing specialists who are always available for consultations. Adapting medical care to suit each infant’s individual needs can result in many positive effects. State-of-the-art high frequency ventilation is available for newborns with underdeveloped lungs. 

Our lactation program and support for mothers has resulted in one of the highest breastfeeding rates in the nation for discharged NICU infants. Infant feeding plans are managed by our lactation consultants, available to counsel mothers about their breastfeeding needs. Our goal as a team is to quickly and safely return healthy babies to their families by providing them with the teaching and support needed to care for their infant.

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When parents may call or visit Parents are encouraged to call the NICU anytime day or night to get information about their baby’s condition. From another Sacred Heart hospital room: Call 6916 Local calls from outside Sacred Heart: Call 686-6916 Long-distance calls: Call toll-free (800) 925-5962 Please avoid calling at the following times (during shift change, when nurses consult with one another about the babies’ care): 7 to 7:30 a.m. 3 to 3:30 p.m. 11 to 11:30 p.m.

You may spend time with your baby as often as you desire. The NICU is open to parents 24 hours a day. Visiting is limited during nurses’ shift change. Relatives and friends may visit your baby as long as you accompany them, but no more than three people may visit at a time, one being the parent. All visitors are required to carefully cleanse their hands and lower arms with a disinfectant. Lockers are provided for extra belongings. 

Map, directions and parking

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is on the second floor of the south building at Sacred Heart Medical Center. Ask for directions at the hospital reception desk.

Map and driving directions to Sacred Heart 

Park in the hospital’s South Parking Garage. Free valet parking is available; drive into the South Parking Garage and look for signs to valet parking. Parents will be issued an NICU parking permit for courtesy parking during their baby’s NICU stay. Visitor parking fees are discounted 50 percent upon presentation of a discount coupon at the exit booth; the discount coupons are available to visitors at the hospital’s front desk.

Practical, emotional and spiritual support for NICU parents

NICU Social Workers
(541) 686-6965
It is a difficult experience to be separated from your newborn. NICU social workers are available to assist you with a variety of needs, including obtaining a breast pump, parking, community resource information, parent education, local accommodations and financial concerns. 

Pastoral & Spiritual Care Services
(541) 686-7402
Chaplains are available to help parents with emotional/spiritual issues.

Lactation Services
(541) 686-6320
Certified lactation consultants are available every day to assist with breastfeeding.

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Neonatal Mobile Intensive Care Unit ambulance Should your infant need to be transported from another hospital to Sacred Heart’s NICU, he or she will travel in a specially designed ambulance and receive immediate Level III NICU medical care. The ambulance, one of the largest in the state, is able to transport two complete mobile intensive care isolettes. NICU registered nurses and respiratory therapists travel with the ambulance to provide continuous care. Some 75 babies a year are transported to Sacred Heart's NICU from referral hospitals in a five-county area. The ambulance was purchased in March 2001 entirely with community donations.

Take a virtual tour of Sacred Heart's NICU mobile transport vehicle.

Get breast-feeding tips and information from Healthwise.

Pregnancy & Parenting Education offers breastfeeding classes for expectant mothers (and fathers).

Childbirth Services at Sacred Heart