Neonatal Intensive Care

Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) at MemorialCare Medical Centers in Southern California are home to heroic and tender care for infants. Dedicated physicians, nurses, therapists, dietitians, lactation consultants and other members of the care teamwork to save the fragile lives of infants born too sick or too early. We offer the latest in treatments and developmental care, with a special emphasis on family centered care. We encourage parents to spend as much time with their baby as possible to help promote healing.

Expert Care for High-Risk Births

Many high-risk pregnancies and high-risk multiples throughout Los Angeles and Orange counties in Southern California are referred to MemorialCare Medical Centers. Our neonatal intensive care units offer around-the-clock neonatologists, specialized nurses, respiratory therapists, and equipment to provide intensive care to infants whenever needed.

Your Baby’s Stay

Your baby may be admitted to the NICU for several reasons. If your newborn needs a little extra attention for a few days or is born premature or critically ill, we can provide quality, safe, state-of-the-art medical care.

Preparing for Home

Some babies may stay in the NICU for up to three months. That’s why communication and collaboration between your baby’s care team and your family is of utmost importance. Our specially trained care team understands that your baby’s discharge from the NICU is an exciting time for your family, but we also understand that it may feel overwhelming at times. Please don’t hesitate to ask your care team any questions you may have about follow-up care. We will make every effort to manage your specific needs so that you and your family will feel safe and well prepared to care for your infant at home.

Neonatal Intensive Care Specialists and Care Team

The neonatal intensive care teams of highly trained perinatologists, neonatologists, nurses, therapists, dietitians, lactation consultants and other specialists at MemorialCare are dedicated to saving fragile lives of infants born in need of intensive care.

What does each neonatal intensive care specialist do?

MemorialCare physician partners throughout Los Angeles County and Orange County are widely recognized for excellence in high-risk pregnancies, high-risk multiples and neonatal care.

• Perinatologist – a subspecialty of Obstetrics, a physician who is specialized in high-risk pregnancies and the care of the fetus that is experiencing complications.
• Neonatologist – a subspecialty of Pediatrics, a physician who is specialized in the medical care of newborns, especially premature newborns.

Neonatal Intensive Care Team

• Neonatal Nurse – a subspecialty of nursing, a nurse who is specialized in care of newborn infants born with prematurely or with an illness.
• Neonatal Therapist – an occupational therapist, physical therapist, or speech-language pathologist who provides specialized and individualized therapeutic interventions to newborns in the NICU to support long-term development.
• Neonatal Dietitian – a registered dietitian who is specialized in newborn nutrition, they provide individualized nutrient and supplement regimens tailored around feeding methods and immature digestive systems of the newborn.
• Lactation Consultant – a specialist who provides breastfeeding consultation.

How to find a neonatal intensive care specialist

When you need to seek care from a subspecialist it is a good first step to talk to your primary care physician or your OB/GYN and ask them for a referral to a subspecialist. Perinatologists and neonatologists can be searched in our Find a Doctor physician’s directory.