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 San Antonio
If your newborn requires additional, specialized care, we share your concern and level of urgency.
At Methodist Hospital Stone Oak, our NICU is equipped to provide the necessary care and support your baby needs. We've worked hard to create a program where years of experience and passion for saving our tiniest patients culminates into a care team determined to shape lives. Above all, it is critical you know that you are not alone.
About our program
Some babies are born sooner than expected. Some have birth defects, low weight or trouble breathing on their own. When these things happen, they can be serious.
At Methodist Hospital Stone Oak, we offer a 24-bed level III NICU, where we provide high-level care for moderately preterm babies and those who need care after birth. Our specialized care team has gone through rigorous training, so we can respond swiftly and strategically to pressing scenarios with a delicate and precise touch.
We also have private rooms designed to facilitate breastfeeding, which include your own private refrigerator for expressed breast milk (EBM).
Additionally, we understand the importance of those first few days with your child as a parent. We do everything we can to ensure you're as close to your child as safety will permit. We allow two parents to stay by the baby's bedside 24/7, while under the expert care of our NICU staff, until your baby is healthy to go home.
Conditions we treat
We see newborns who, just moments into their new world, are struggling to live. Our goal is to provide exceptional care, so your child finds the strength to live independently and to their fullest potential. An advanced team of neonatologists, a 24-hour on-site neonatal nurse practitioner, neonatal nurses, respiratory therapists, and experts in diet, feeding, lactation, rehabilitation and spirituality will care for your newborn. Our dedicated case management team helps coordinate your baby’s care from birth to ensure a smooth transition to home.
The birth complications we treat include:
- Apnea of prematurity
- Bronchopulmonary dysplasia
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Hypoglycemia
- Prematurity
- Feeding problems
- Congenital metabolic disorders
- Jaundice
- Respiratory distress syndrome
- Sepsis
If a higher level of care is needed, we provide seamless transport to our other facilities. Our neonatal team collaborates with a variety of pediatric subspecialist to provide the highest quality of comprehensive care for your baby.
Some of the pediatric specialists that provide support to infants in our NICU include cardiology, endocrinologist, gastroenterologist, hematologist, infectious disease specialists, neurologist, ophthalmologist, pathologists, pulmonary specialists, radiologists, urologists and more.
Treatments in the Methodist Hospital Stone Oak NICU
We understand that every child's journey is unique. That's why, at Methodist Hospital Stone Oak, no two treatment plans are the same. We work in collaboration with physicians across a variety of specialties to ensure your infant receives the best possible care and a treatment plan tailored to their unique needs.
Your baby's treatment may include:
- Antibiotic treatment
- Arterial line placement
- Blood transfusion
- Central line placement
- Formulated/donated human milk
- Intravenous nutrition
- Mechanical ventilation
- Non-invasive respiratory support (i.e. CPAP, HFNC, etc.)
- Oxygen therapy
- Phototherapy
- Rehabilitation services (feeding and motor therapies)
- Respiratory therapy and nutritional management
- Technologically advanced radiology
Perinatal navigator
Our perinatal navigator is available to help high-risk mothers-to-be navigate through the complex healthcare system as they prepare for the delivery of their baby. The navigator partners with healthcare team members, providers and specialists to help develop a plan of care to achieve the best possible outcomes. Our navigator will provide you with the emotional support, education and care coordination you may need along your journey. Please speak with your provider to enroll in this service.
Maternity coordinator
Our maternity coordinator is an experienced labor and delivery nurse whose goal is to put our expectant mothers at ease. At the beginning of your journey, our coordinator will connect with you to introduce herself and her role as your advocate and resource. She will be available to answer your questions and provide you with the support and resources you need throughout your pregnancy and after you return home with your baby.
Accreditations
Our facility is recognized by various organizations for our high-quality services, such as:
- Designated Level III NICU
- Cribs for Kids National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification, Silver Safe Sleep Champion
- Texas Ten Step Program
Visiting Methodist Hospital Stone Oak
The Methodist Hospital Stone Oak NICU is located on the second floor of the hospital. Visitors must have a badge to enter the clinic. Visitors may park for free or use our valet service.