As you prepare for the day your child is born into this world, you don’t want to think the worst, but as moms know it’s always best to prepare. One way to prepare is to plan to deliver at a hospital that has the absolute best NICU, if the need arises.
Did you know Palm Beach Children’s Hospital at St. Mary’s Medical Center has the largest Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Palm Beach County?
Level III Neonatal Care is Florida’s highest designated level of neonatal intensive care. Palm Beach Children’s Hospital at St. Mary’s Medical Center is also one of only 11 state-designated Regional Perinatal Intensive Care Centers (RPICC) in Florida – RPICC’s work to improve the outcome of pregnancy and the quality of life from birth. These centers provide obstetrical services to women who have a high-risk pregnancy and care for newborns with special health needs, such as critical illness or low birth weight.
Palm Beach Children’s Hospital at St. Mary’s Medical Center has neonatal medical specialists available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and also has a dedicated respiratory therapy team.
Why Level III NICU Care is Important:
Studies indicate significantly higher survival rates for very low birthweight babies born in hospitals offering Level III Neonatal Intensive Care.
Level III NICUs are also designed to provide sophisticated types of respiratory support for very sick babies and offer a wide variety of neonatal surgeries.
So if a NICU is necessary, what can you expect?
As mothers, we know that bonding during the first few days of life is extremely important. At St. Mary’s they understand this and keep new mothers and babies close to each other so this bonding can occur. The NICU is right next to The Birthplace and new moms are encouraged to visit and interact with their new son or daughter as soon as they are able to.
If your child is in the NICU at birth, you can continue your care at St. Mary’s and your child’s at Palm Beach Children’s Hospital. St. Mary’s is one of only 11 Regional Perinatal Intensive Care Centers in Florida that help heal high-risk mothers and infants. Through the Palm Beach Children’s Hospital, your baby will have direct access to the numerous pediatric sub-specialties that their dedicated children’s hospital provides.
After the NICU:
Palm Beach Children’s Hospital features a 24-hour dedicated pediatric emergency department, and, as members of the Children’s Oncology Group (COG), they offer a treatment center for childhood cancer with access to the most advanced research and treatments. In addition, they are also home to leading pediatric orthopedists. When your child is sick or injured, and you don’t know where to turn, know that you have a partner in Palm Beach Children’s Hospital. Their mission is to provide a compassionate and understanding environment that reduces anxiety and helps your child feel comfortable about spending time at the hospital.
