--- title: "Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU) Services | Sutter Health" description: "When your newborn needs critical care, our NICUs offer specialized neonatal support. We combine advanced medical treatments with compassionate family care." url: "https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/neonatal-intensive-care" --- 1. [Home](https://www.sutterhealth.org/) / 2. [Services](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services) / 3. Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU) ![close-up-baby-feet-nicu-monitor-connected](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/SutterHealth/Images/people/babies/close-up-baby-feet-nicu-monitor-connected.jpg?h=2100&iar=0&w=3150) # Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU) Having a baby admitted to the NICU is often unexpected and can feel overwhelming. Our neonatal ICU programs combine life-saving, advanced medical technology with deeply compassionate, family-centered support for infants in intensive care. [Find a NICU location](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-location-results?limit=10&query=%22Neonatal+Intensive+Care+%28NICU%29%22&verticalKey=healthcare_facilities) ![close-up-baby-feet-nicu-monitor-connected](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/SutterHealth/Images/people/babies/close-up-baby-feet-nicu-monitor-connected.jpg?h=2100&iar=0&w=3150) ## Why choose Sutter? When your baby needs critical care, expertise matters. Our neonatal centers ensure your baby receives the right level of care, close to home whenever possible. We offer up to Level IV NICU care — the highest level of neonatal support available. Our board-certified neonatologists, dedicated NICU nurses and more than 50 pediatric subspecialists provide around-the-clock care. We also collaborate seamlessly across Sutter and with leading children's health organizations. Family-centered care is at the heart of everything we do. You’re an essential member of your baby's care team. That's why parents are welcome in our NICUs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our spaces are thoughtfully designed to support bonding and comfort. We encourage you to participate in daily rounds, skin-to-skin holding and your baby's overall treatment plan. Care doesn't stop when you leave the hospital. Our specialized follow-up programs provide the ongoing support and education needed to help your baby grow, thrive and reach their fullest potential. ## By the numbers ### 400+ care team members including obstetricians, NICU nurses and midwives offer pregnancy and childbirth care. ### 16 birth centers awarded for high standards in keeping moms and babies safe and off to the best start. ### 7 NICUs offer top quality critical care for our littlest patients from highly trained neonatal specialists. ### 26,000+ babies born at our award-winning birth centers each year. Equipped for the most complex care  ### Specialized care We have dedicated spaces and pediatric subspecialists to handle the most complex cases: - Quiet, low-light units for infants born as early as 22 weeks - Advanced surgical support for complex neonatal surgery - Integrated cardiology services for congenital heart conditions  ### Life-saving technology It's normal to feel intimidated by NICU equipment, but these tools simply help your baby breathe, eat and grow: - Continuous EEG brain monitoring - Therapeutic cooling therapy to protect and heal the brain - Advanced respiratory support, including CPAP and ECMO  ### 24/7 neonatal transport When every second counts, our transport teams are ready to bring your baby to the care they need: - Dedicated mobile NICU ambulances - Helicopter transport for rapid, long-distance transfers - Safe, direct transfers from hospitals across Northern California to our neonatal ICUs  ## Sutter NICU locations ### [1625 Van Ness Avenue Care Center](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-location/facility/1625-van-ness-avenue-care-center-1043247190) 1625 Van Ness Avenue 3rd Floor San Francisco, CA 94109 US [Get directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=1625+Van+Ness+Avenue+San+Francisco%2C+CA+94109+US) [415-600-6200](tel:+14156006200) 415-749-1433 Sunday Closed Monday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Tuesday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Wednesday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Thursday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Saturday Closed **View additional hours** Sunday Closed Monday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Tuesday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Wednesday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Thursday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Saturday Closed Closed all major holidays. Please call for details. ### [Alta Bates Campus Birth Center](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-location/facility/alta-bates-campus-birth-center-1043246551) 2450 Ashby Avenue Berkeley, CA 94705 US [Get directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=2450+Ashby+Avenue+Berkeley%2C+CA+94705+US) [510-204-4444](tel:+15102044444) Open 24 hours [Book a tour](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/find-event-results?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_affiliate.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Alta+Bates+Summit+Medical+Center%22%5D%7D%2C%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_eventType%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Tour%22%5D%7D%2C%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_healthTopics.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Newborns%22%5D%7D%5D&limit=10&query=%22pregnancy%22&verticalKey=events) ### [Alta Bates High Risk Infant Follow Up Clinic](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-location/facility/alta-bates-high-risk-infant-follow-up-clinic-1043247212) 3011 Telegraph Avenue Berkeley, CA 94705 US [Get directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=3011+Telegraph+Avenue+Berkeley%2C+CA+94705+US) [510-204-4379](tel:+15102044379) Sunday Closed Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Tuesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday Closed **View additional hours** Sunday Closed Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Tuesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday Closed ### [CPMC Birth Center, Van Ness Campus](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-location/facility/cpmc-birth-center-van-ness-campus-1043246983) 1101 Van Ness Avenue 5th Floor San Francisco, CA 94109 US [Get directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=1101+Van+Ness+Avenue+San+Francisco%2C+CA+94109+US) [415-600-6000](tel:+14156006000) 415-600-0555 Open 24 hours [Book a tour](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/find-event-results?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_affiliate.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22California+Pacific+Medical+Center%22%5D%7D%2C%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_eventType%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Tour%22%5D%7D%2C%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_healthTopics.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Newborns%22%5D%7D%5D&limit=10&verticalKey=events) ### [Memorial Medical Center Family Birth Center](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-location/facility/memorial-medical-center-family-birth-center-1043246945) 1700 Coffee Road First Floor Modesto, CA 95355 US [Get directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=1700+Coffee+Road+Modesto%2C+CA+95355+US) [209-572-7170](tel:+12095727170) Open 24 hours ### [Sutter Medical Center Birth Center](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-location/facility/sutter-medical-center-birth-center-1043246874) 2825 Capitol Avenue 6th Floor Sacramento, CA 95816 US [Get directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=2825+Capitol+Avenue+Sacramento%2C+CA+95816+US) [916-887-0000](tel:+19168870000) Open 24 hours [Book a tour](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/find-event-results?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_affiliate.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Sutter+Medical+Center%2C+Sacramento%22%5D%7D%2C%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_eventType%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Tour%22%5D%7D%2C%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_healthTopics.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Labor+and+Delivery%22%2C%22Newborns%22%2C%22Pregnancy%22%5D%7D%5D&limit=10&verticalKey=events) ### [Sutter Mills Peninsula Family Birth Center](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-location/facility/mills-peninsula-family-birth-center-1043246769) 1501 Trousdale Drive Building C Burlingame, CA 94010 US [Get directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=1501+Trousdale+Drive+Burlingame%2C+CA+94010+US) [650-696-5545](tel:+16506965545) Open 24 hours [Book a tour](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/find-event-results?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_affiliate.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Mills-Peninsula+Medical+Center%22%5D%7D%2C%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_eventType%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Tour%22%5D%7D%2C%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_healthTopics.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Labor+and+Delivery%22%2C%22Newborns%22%2C%22Pregnancy%22%5D%7D%5D&limit=10&verticalKey=events) ### [Sutter Roseville Medical Center Birth Center](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-location/facility/sutter-roseville-medical-center-birth-center-1043246648) 1 Medical Plaza Drive Lower Level Roseville, CA 95661 US [Get directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=1+Medical+Plaza+Drive+Roseville%2C+CA+95661+US) [916-781-1000](tel:+19167811000) Open 24 hours [Book a tour](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/find-event-results?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_affiliate.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Sutter+Roseville+Medical+Center%22%5D%7D%2C%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_eventType%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Tour%22%5D%7D%5D&limit=10&verticalKey=events) ### [Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital Birth Center](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-location/facility/sutter-santa-rosa-regional-hospital-birth-center-1043247199) 30 Mark West Springs Road Santa Rosa, CA 95403 US [Get directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=30+Mark+West+Springs+Road+Santa+Rosa%2C+CA+95403+US) [707-576-4000](tel:+17075764000) Open 24 hours [Book a tour](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-resources/find-event-results?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_affiliate.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Sutter+Santa+Rosa+Regional+Hospital%22%5D%7D%2C%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_eventType%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Tour%22%5D%7D%2C%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_healthTopics.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Labor+and+Delivery%22%2C%22Newborns%22%2C%22Pregnancy%22%5D%7D%5D&limit=10&verticalKey=events) ![doctor-stethescope-infant](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/SutterHealth/Images/people/babies/doctor-stethescope-infant.jpg?h=600&iar=0&w=800) ## Maternal and infant health research Maternal and infant health research aims to improve reproduction by increasing full-term pregnancies, ensuring healthy births and supporting mothers and babies after birth. [View clinical trials](https://www.sutterhealth.org/research-search-results?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_researchTopics.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Maternal+and+Infant+Health%22%5D%7D%5D&verticalKey=clinical_trial) ## Patient stories [View all stories](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories) - [Patient story ### Healthy Baby, Grateful Parent ](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories/kate-bernal-hafner-healthy-baby-grateful-parent-1042868376) - [Patient story ### Baby born with rare condition thrives at Sutter ](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories/baby-born-with-rare-condition-thrives-at-sutter-2033614396) - [Patient story ### ‘Miracle’ Baby Home After 183 Days in the NICU ](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories/miracle-baby-home-after-183-days-in-the-nicu-2023563903) [View all stories](https://www.sutterhealth.org/patient-stories) ## Sutter spotlight Health & wellness ### [What the NICU levels mean](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/what-the-nicu-levels-mean) NICU levels help determine the type of care newborns receive. Learn what NICU stands for and what to expect in a neonatal ICU. Health & wellness ### [What to expect during your baby's NICU stay](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/what-to-expect-during-your-babys-nicu-stay) Learn what to expect during your baby's NICU stay, from daily rounds and nursing care to family bonding and staying involved in your baby's care. Health & wellness ### [Meet your baby's neonatal care team](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/meet-your-babys-neonatal-care-team) Learn who’s on your baby's NICU care team and how these specialists work together to support your baby's health and development. ## Related services - [Children's health](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/childrens-health) - [Labor and delivery](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/labor-and-delivery) - [Lactation support services](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/lactation-support-services) - [Newborn and baby care](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/newborn-and-baby-care) - [Pregnancy and childbirth](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/pregnancy-and-childbirth) Frequently asked questions **What does NICU stand for and what is a NICU?** NICU stands for neonatal intensive care unit. It's a specialized hospital department designed to care for premature, medically fragile or critically ill newborns. To us, it's a place of hope and healing. Our neonatal intensive care units provide around-the-clock care from teams using advanced, life-saving technology in a deeply compassionate, family-centered environment. **What is the difference between a NICU and a PICU?** A NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) specializes in the care of premature and critically ill newborns, usually from birth up to 28 days of life. A PICU (pediatric intensive care unit) provides intensive care for older infants, children and adolescents. If your newborn needs critical care right after birth, they will be cared for in the NICU. **Who is on my baby's NICU care team and what do they do** You'll see many faces in the NICU, all working together for your baby. Your team is led by neonatologists (pediatricians with advanced training in newborn intensive care) and pediatric subspecialists. NICU nurses and neonatal nurse practitioners (NNPs) provide specialized, around-the-clock medical care. But they also do much more. Through our Compassionate Beginnings program, our nurses help you form a loving bond with your baby, teaching you how to read their cues and use the language of touch. You'll also be supported by respiratory therapists managing breathing equipment, and child life specialists and social workers dedicated to your family's emotional needs. **Why do babies go to the NICU and what treatments will they receive?** Babies are admitted to the NICU for a variety of newborn health challenges, most commonly for prematurity, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), jaundice, infections, neurological conditions or congenital heart defects. Healing and growth go hand-in-hand. Depending on your baby's needs, their neonatal care team includes physical, occupational, speech and music therapists who work with your infant right in the NICU. To ensure your baby gets the exact nutrition they need to thrive, we also have registered dieticians, lactation consultants and dedicated milk technicians on staff. **Does insurance cover NICU stays?** Navigating the details of a NICU stay can be stressful, which is why our dedicated social workers and financial counselors are here to help you understand your insurance coverage and manage logistics. Additionally, our NICU Family Advisory Council — made up of former NICU parents and staff — works to create a comforting environment and provide resources to help families facing hardships. **What resources and lodging are available for parents?** We want you to feel supported and at home. Depending on the location, our NICUs offer single-patient or private rooms equipped with sleeper sofas, hospital-grade breast pumps and breastmilk storage. You’ll also find family lounges with kitchens, showers and patio access. For out-of-town families, we can connect you with nearby lodging, including discounted hotel rates, the Ronald McDonald House and the Bill and Elizabeth Shea House at Sutter Santa Rosa. We also offer parent support groups — like our weekly Tea Time — and parent mentors to connect you with others who have walked this path. **How long do premature babies stay in the NICU, and what happens after?** Every baby is unique, so the length of a NICU stay depends entirely on your baby's specific health needs. But our commitment to your baby's health extends well beyond the hospital. If your baby meets certain high-risk criteria, we'll enroll you in our High-Risk Infant Follow-Up program. We schedule checkups during your child's first three years of life, allowing our multidisciplinary team to monitor their progress and connect you with early intervention services to encourage optimal growth and development. Before your baby is discharged from the NICU, your care team will talk to you about the program. ## Advanced NICU care for baby Find a Sutter NICU near you, offering up to Level IV care with specialized teams available around the clock. 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