Neonatal Services

Offering the highest level of newborn care for every baby

At times, a newborn might need a little extra care. The Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Fountain Valley Regional Hospital and Medical Center, should you need it, gives your baby access to a wider range of pediatric specialists, ventilation support systems, imaging capabilities and surgeries without being transferred out of the facility. 

Specialized care for premature infants might include treatment for breathing issues, birth defects and maternal health problems.  Full-term babies in the NICU can be treated for many conditions, including anemia, jaundice, seizures, low blood sugar, brain bleeds, heart problems, or breathing difficulties. Infants often visit the NICU for respiratory difficulties.

Infants often will have multiple doctors assisting with their medical needs. Specialists such as neurologists, cardiologists and surgeons are available to consult as the need arises.

Fountain Valley’s NICU features 23 special care (Level III) nursery beds that are certified by California Children’s Services. The unit is a controlled access department designed to ensure the safety and privacy of newborn patients and their families.

High Risk Infant Follow-Up Program

Children who are born prematurely or have required neonatal intensive care may have future health risks. Respiratory problems, cognitive delay, speech or hearing impairment,  or orthopedic problems are a few of the most common issues. Early detection of developmental delays and treatment is key.

Fountain Valley’s NICU includes a High Risk Infant Follow-Up Program to provide developmental assessment and follow-up for up to three years for infants who meet certain criteria upon discharge from the NICU. Criteria may include:

• premature birth
• low birth weight
• low Apgar scores 
• birth trauma with developmental delays or other qualifying conditions

A multidisciplinary team addresses the medical, nutritional, neurological, developmental and social needs of these tiny patients. This team is certified in caring for high-risk and premature infants. A neonatal physician specialist, a developmental specialist and a neonatal nurse conduct clinic assessments on the children at specific intervals. Other ancillary service specialists such as a physical therapist, occupational therapist, social worker or registered dietician may also be involved.

If the High Risk Infant Follow-Up Program is recommended for your child, your first appointment for the clinic will be made through the NICU prior to discharge. Your nurse will make sure you know how to access the clinic before you and your baby go home.