Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
Connie Stanchek didn’t know how early her baby was coming, but she was sure of one thing: she wanted Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. James Schermerhorn to deliver her.
Schermerhorn delivered all of Stanchek’s sisters’ babies, and between his expertise and Doctors’ new NICU Level II offerings for babies born as early as 30 weeks, she knew it was the right place to go for the pre-term labor she was expecting.
"We wanted to be at Doctors because you get such great one-on-one care," she said. "It’s a more personal experience, and they’re very capable. They have an excellent nursing staff, great doctors and an excellent neonatology group."
Stanchek gave birth to Liliana — Lily for short — after just 30 weeks of pregnancy. Lily weighed only 2 pounds,12 ounces, but Doctors NICU was able to provide the special care she needed for the first five weeks of her life. Lily is the youngest, smallest baby born at Doctors to date.
"Having a baby that prematurely is a very scary thing," Stanchek said. "Our positive experience speaks highly of Doctors Hospital. The care I received was top-notch."
Dr. Schermerhorn delivered 11 babies during the last 11 years for Stanchek and her three sisters. One sister gave birth at Doctors in two months after Lily was born. Dr. Schermerhorn has become an honorary member of Stanchek’s family and is invited to their baby showers. "It’s amazing to go and see all these kids I helped deliver," he said. "One of the best parts of my job is watching the kids I delivered grow up and hearing what they’re up to now."
|
|
|
|
|
NICU Stands Ready When Newborns Need Help
Expectant parents hope that their baby will be born healthy without complications. But, if problems can arise, Doctors Hospital can provide specialized care in its Level II 24-hour NICU. While some babies stay in the NICU for only a few hours for observational care, others may spend weeks receiving specialized care.
Skilled Team Provides Level II Care
The NICU team consists of trained, dedicated neonatologists, neonatal practitioners and neonatal nurses. Neonatologists have completed three additional years of training to specialize in the care of critically ill newborns and are qualified to handle some of the most complex, high-risk situations.
|
The staff provides hands-on care and specialized treatment for infections, birth defects, breathing difficulties, growth restriction and maternal health problems. In addition to babies born premature or at a low birth weight, sicker full-term babies may be treated in the NICU for a variety of conditions, including anemia, jaundice, seizures, low blood sugar or breathing difficulties.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|