No one imagines a child’s birth turning into a long hospital stay. But, if needed, our level II and III NICU offers highly specialized, quality care for the tiniest and sickest of infants in Central Minnesota.

• Our neonatologists can talk with your provider about the care, referral or transport of infants. We have 24/7 inhouse coverage by neonatologists, neonatal nurse practitioners and specialized nurses. This team is dedicated to getting your child home as soon as possible.
• We offer a rapid response transport team. This specialized team knows how to evaluate, stabilize and transport infants. Your baby will be in safe hands throughout the journey. Both the helicopter and ground ambulance have monitoring, ventilator support and transport isolette systems. These systems meet the needs of critically ill infants.
• The NICU offers a team approach. The team includes a neonatologist, nurse practitioner, case manager, social worker, dietitian, developmental specialist, lactation consultant, respiratory therapist and family support specialist. Case managers and child life specialists support families throughout their hospital experience.
• We have a highly specialized, yet intimate environment. Parents are welcome 24 hours a day. You have direct access to the neonatologists. We will help you gain confidence in the care of your child by providing you with as many opportunities as possible to learn about and care for your infant. We listen to your opinions and view you as a partner in your baby’s care.
• Our NICU was the first March of Dimes NICU Family Support Program site in Minnesota. The program assists families during their hospital stay and transition home. It provides information and emotional support. The March of Dimes and CentraCare Health Foundation provide the funds for this program.
• Our NICU has top outcomes when benchmarking against other hospitals within the internationally renowned Vermont Oxford Network.
• We work closely with our Perinatology Clinic and Family Birthing Center. Together we provide you and your baby with the best care.
• We work to get your child home as soon as possible. After your child leaves, your provider may recommend our Infant & Child Development Clinic. This programs works to ensure your child lives life to the fullest. We offer another outpatient service, the Infant Apnea Program. This program assesses and treats infants at risk for, or who have experienced, apnea (absent breathing) and/or bradycardia (slow heart rate).
  
  

• Tour our Family Birthing Center
• Sign up for our Childbirth Education Classes

For the safety of our young patients, the Children's Center is a locked unit.
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