If your baby has to spend time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento, a multidisciplinary team of more than 250 medical professionals work in unison to deliver care to the highest standards. Here are some of the specialists committed to helping your baby get a healthy start to life.
A neonatologist is a pediatrician with a specialty in caring for sick babies. Our team is led by 10 board-certified neonatologists, with at least one neonatologist on site 24 hours a day. These specialists work collaboratively, bringing their combined knowledge gained from years of experience. Our neonatologists are on the unit or on call 24 hours a day.
Our NICU is part of Sutter Children’s Center, Sacramento, which allows us immediate access to more than 75 neonatal and pediatric specialists and subspecialists, including general and specialty pediatric surgeons.
At all times, your newborn will be under the watchful eyes and skillful hands of our specially trained NICU nurses, many of whom have decades of experience as well as certification in advanced life support. Our nurses represent the heart and soul of the NICU, providing compassionate care to our tiny patients and their families.
If your baby needs fast and safe transportation to our facility, your doctor can request help from the Sutter NICU Transport Team. This group of neonatal nurses and respiratory care practitioners are specially trained in managing airways and stabilizing critically ill and premature infants during transport. They perform approximately 250 neonatal transports each year, traveling by helicopter, airplane or ambulance. Our new facility features a helipad to expedite transport, reducing the time between birth and NICU admission.
A registered nurse who is specially trained in lactation and breastfeeding provides support to breastfeeding moms.
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.
Social workers provide emotional support and education 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, help answer financial and provide referrals to resources both in the hospital and community. To contact a social worker, call (916) 887-1534. 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.
Depending on your infant’s needs, your doctor may refer your infant to a rehabilitation professional. We have physical therapists and occupational therapists who work on issues such as range of motion, therapeutic positioning and appropriate handling by family members. Our speech pathologists assist with oral feeding issues, including bottle and breastfeeding support.
We have dietitians on staff to help assess the nutrition needs of your infant and to monitor the baby’s growth.