Jump to content

Choose locationChoose Location
  • Sign in or Enroll
    • Open I want to choose my medical group or hospital
    • Clear my location
Change Location
Sutter Health
  • Video Visits
  • Find Doctors
  • Find Locations
  • Treatments & Services
  • Locations
  • Sign in or Enroll
    • Video Visits
    • Find Doctors
    • Find Locations
    • Treatments & Services
    • COVID-19 Resources
    • Pay a Bill
    • Symptom Checker
    • Get Care Today
    • Health & Wellness
    • Classes & Events
    • Research & Clinical Trials
    • For Patients
    • About Sutter Health
    • Giving
    • Volunteering
    • Careers
    • News
    • For Medical Professionals
    • Other Business Services
Close Search
  • Home
  • Services
  • Pregnancy and Childbirth
  • Neonatal Health Care Team
Content

Your Baby's Neonatal Care Team

If your baby has to spend time in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), a multidisciplinary team of experts provides care. Here are some of the specialists committed to helping your baby get a healthy start to life.

Mother with premature infant in NICU

Neonatologists

A neonatologist is a pediatrician with a specialty in caring for sick babies. A medical director oversees your baby’s care and directs a team of neonatologists. Neonatologists are on the unit or are on call 24 hours per day. A physician examines your baby daily.

Pediatricians

Pediatricians are available around the clock. Pediatricians collaborate with neonatologists to care for your baby and are experienced at taking care of sick babies.

Neonatal Nurse Practitioners

A neonatal nurse practitioner is a specially trained registered nurse who manages the medical care of sick and premature babies.

NICU Nurses

Our experienced and specially trained nurses provide care for you and your baby and work closely with the neonatologist and other members of your baby’s care team.

Clinical Nurse Specialist

A clinical nurse specialist is a registered nurse with a master’s of science degree in clinical nursing. Serving as a resource for NICU nurses, clinical nurse specialists ensure ongoing staff education and develop programs and protocols.

NICU Lactation Consultant

A lactation consultant is specially trained in lactation and breastfeeding provides support to breastfeeding moms.

Respiratory Therapists

Respiratory therapists assist the nurses and doctors if your baby has breathing problems. They operate ventilators and other respiratory equipment and make sure your baby receives excellent respiratory care.

NICU Social Workers

Social workers provide support for parents of NICU infants. Because they work closely with the medical team and are aware of your baby’s condition, social workers can provide information about services for your child, assist with hospital procedures and help answer financial and other questions. If you wish to talk with someone who has had a similar experience, the social worker can also put you in touch with another parent.

Physical Therapists

Physical therapists may help you with handling and feeding your baby throughout his or her development. The therapist will help you monitor and evaluate your baby’s progress.

Cuddlers

At some Sutter NICUs, “cuddlers,” specially trained volunteers, come to the NICU to hold and comfort babies.

Your baby may work with other specialists, too. These can include infant mental health counselors, developmental psychologists and child life specialists.

Related Content

  • Common NICU Procedures
  • Labor and Delivery Services
  • Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU)

Patient Stories

Kate Bernal-Hafner | Healthy Baby, Grateful Parent

The Hafner family shares their story of compassionate care in the Level 3 NICU at Sutter Santa Rosa Hospital.

View All Stories

Services Near You

Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento

Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento

Sutter Medical Foundation

Sutter Medical Foundation

Sutter Roseville Medical Center

Sutter Roseville Medical Center

Alta Bates Summit Medical Center

Alta Bates Summit Medical Center

Mills-Peninsula Medical Center

Mills-Peninsula Medical Center

Memorial Medical Center Modesto

Memorial Medical Center Modesto

Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital

Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital

View All Related Locations

The Sutter Health Network of Care
Expertise to fit your needs
Primary Care

Check-ups, screenings and sick visits for adults and children.

Specialty Care

Expertise and advanced technologies in all areas of medicine.

Emergency Care

For serious accidents, injuries and conditions that require immediate medical care.

Urgent Care

After-hours, weekend and holiday services.

Walk-In Care

Convenient walk-in care clinics for your non-urgent health needs.

About Sutter

  • About Our Network
  • Annual Report
  • Awards
  • Community Benefit
  • Contact Us
  • News
  • Giving
  • Find Care

  • Birth Centers
  • Care Centers
  • Emergency Rooms
  • Hospitals
  • Imaging
  • Labs
  • Surgery Centers
  • Urgent Care
  • Walk-In Care
  • View All >
  • Featured Services

  • Behavioral Health
  • Cancer Services
  • Family Medicine
  • Home Health and Hospice
  • Orthopedics
  • Pediatrics
  • Pregnancy
  • Primary Care
  • Women's Health
  • View All >
  • Patient Resources

  • Accepted Health Plans
  • Classes and Events
  • Estimate Costs
  • Health and Wellness
  • Medical Records
  • Medicare Advantage
  • My Health Online
  • Pay a Bill
  • Symptom Checker
  • Our Team

  • For Employees
  • Physician Careers
  • Recruiting Events
  • Residencies and Fellowships
  • Sutter Careers
  • Vendors
  • Volunteers
    • ADA Accessibility
    • Contact
    • Privacy
    • Do Not Sell My Personal Information

    • LinkedIn Opens new window
    • YouTube Opens new window
    • Facebook Opens new window
    • Twitter Opens new window
    • Glassdoor Opens new window
    • Instagram Opens new window

    Copyright © 2022 Sutter Health. All rights reserved. Sutter Health is a registered trademark of Sutter Health ®, Reg. U.S. Patent & Trademark office.

    Cookie Policy

    We use cookies to give you the best possible user experience. By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences

    Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences