More Than Peace of Mind: Pocono Medical Center (PMC) NICU
  Newly opened in July 2010, our state-of-the-art Neonatal Intensive  
  Care Unit (NICU) provides specialized care for babies
  who require advanced medical care. This could include babies who:

• Are born prematurely
• Experience difficulties during delivery, or
• Show signs of a medical complication. 

Babies are typically admitted to the NICU within 24 hours of delivery. Their length of stay in the NICU depends upon the severity of their condition.

What Services are Available for Parents and Family?
We embrace a family-centered, developmentally appropriate philosophy of patient care by providing:

• Emotional support and demonstrating how to bond with and care for your NICU baby
• Private inpatient rooms with sleeper-sofas for partners while mom recovers
• Quiet chapel on first floor of PMC for peaceful reflection and meditation
• Education and support to ensure the proper care is provided when baby is ready to go home
• Hospital-grade breast pumps for patient use along with on-site lactation consultants
• On-site certified child seat safety inspector to ensure a safe arrival home

In addition, our Ronald McDonald Room provides parents with a safe and ideal environment to facilitate the transition from NICU to home.

Who Will Care for My Baby?
Our NICU is led by healthcare professionals with training in treating babies who require specialized care. Our neonatologists (physicians with specialized education and training in intensive infant care), neonatal nurses, and neonatal nurse practitioners are supported by a multidisciplinary team of committed, compassionate, and highly credentialed medical staff. Together, they are dedicated to providing only the finest care for your baby.

Your Baby's Medical Care Team May Include:

• Neonatologist
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
• Neonatal Nurse
• Case Manager
• Pediatrician
• Respiratory Therapist
• Nutritionist
• Pharmacist
• Lab Technicians
• Radiologist
• Chaplain

In addition, our state-of-the-art technology provides the most sophisticated monitoring and care for any baby weighing over just 1,000 grams (2lbs, 3oz).

How Can I Still Take Care of My Baby in the NICU?
We understand that parents may experience some concern and anxiety when their baby is placed in the NICU. Rest assured that your care team will provide the support, services, and tools to help you bond with and take care your baby. This may include learning how to:

• Breastfeed your baby: Although your baby may not be able to nurse, we can feed your baby expressed (or pumped) breast milk either by bottle or feeding tube while they are in the NICU. Our certified lactation consultants will help ensure your breastfeeding experience is a positive and rewarding one for you and baby.

• Spend time near your baby: Singing, reading, or just talking to your baby can help you bond with your newborn. We encourage regular visitation by family and making you an integral part of your baby’s care team.

• Take care of yourself: Being rested and feeling well will help you better take care of your baby. It is important to spend quiet time with your loved ones or enjoy some time to yourself while you are away from the NICU.

Learn more about our NICU in our 2010 Annual Report.