NICU
The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) provides critical care to newborns who are ill or premature. Many factors may lead to a newborn being admitted to the NICU, including low birth weight or complications during delivery. The NICU staff works closely with parents to develop a treatment plan for their newborn.
Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Alexandria, Louisiana
Having your baby admitted to the NICU can be overwhelming. We're ready to offer support.
Our Level III NICU, located within Rapides Women's and Children's Hospital and one of the largest and most advanced units in Central Louisiana, is staffed by neonatal specialists providing expert, gentle care.
Expert advice, available 24/7
Free health-related information is just a phone call away. Our nurses help you understand your symptoms, treatment options and procedures. They will also help you find a provider or specialist and schedule an appointment.
Free health-related information is just a phone call away. Our nurses help you understand your symptoms, treatment options and procedures. They will also help you find a provider or specialist and schedule an appointment.
Why newborns may need neonatal intensive care
Many factors can lead to a newborn needing extra medical attention after birth. Common reasons a baby may need to be in the NICU include:
- Anemia
- Feeding difficulties
- Hypoglycemia
- Inability to regulate temperature
- Jaundice
- Macrosomia
- Premature birth
- Respiratory distress syndrome
- Respiratory issues
- Sepsis or infection
- Newborn transient tachypnea
Connecting with your baby in the NICU
We know how much early moments with your newborn matter. Our team works to give you peace of mind and meaningful opportunities to bond with your little one during their NICU stay.
Breastfeeding in the NICU
Breastfeeding is an important part of the postpartum process. While many babies are strong enough for traditional breastfeeding, in our NICU, we offer moms the opportunity to pump and store for a later time. Sometimes, the conditions of a premature birth can make it more challenging for moms to produce breastmilk. In this case, newborns can be fed formula or, if available, thoroughly tested donor breastmilk.
We also have a certified lactation consultant available to help support all breastfeeding efforts.
NICU bonding
Every baby can benefit from bonding with parents through physical touch, so we encourage skin-to-skin time. For the smallest newborns, or those with critical conditions, we recommend sitting bedside and reading aloud, even if physical touch is impossible. We also encourage parents to become part of rounding on Mondays and Thursdays so they can stay involved and informed about every aspect of their child’s plan of care, including treatment updates, discharge planning and education.
And, because we understand having a child in the NICU can be hard during holidays and important milestones, our NICU team members go above and beyond to make special occasions memorable and positive.