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Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU)

Our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) provides medical and surgical care for babies after birth who need special attention. Some of the reasons include preterm birth, low birth weight, breathing difficulty, and infection.
About

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

BC Women's Hospital is home to the largest NICU in the province. The 60 bed unit cares for approximately 1,700 babies each year, admitted from across British Columbia and the Yukon Territory.

Families are important to us and are encouraged to participate as a member of the team in the care of their infant while in our unit. Our staff work in partnership with families to provide the best care possible for their baby.

  Video: Introduction to the NICU at BC Women's


MotherBaby Care

BC Women's Hospital is excited to offer women and their families a unique experience with the MotherBaby Care unit. If a mother is delivering at BC Women's Hospital the MotherBaby Care unit allows the mother to stay with her baby if admitted to the Intermediate Nursery. The mother receives postpartum care in the same room as the baby receives specialized health care. Mother and baby are cared for by the same nurse.

  Video: NICU single patient family rooms

Care for your baby

Ways you can care for your baby

As a partner in your baby's care, you are welcome to participate in morning rounds at your baby's bedside. Rounds are when the medical staff come to the bedside to check on your baby's progress. Please ask the nurse or doctor to explain if you have any concerns about your baby's care. Feel free to write down your questions and the doctor's or nurse's answers. 

Clean your hands. Take off all rings, watches and jewelry before coming into the NICU. Clean your hands up to your elbows with soap and warm water or use alcohol foam hand rubs found at each bedside

Before entering the NICU, let staff know if you have signs of a cold, flu, or an infectious illness.

Hand expression. Many babies can successfully breastfeed. Ask your nurse how you can start hand expressing in the first 6 hours or as soon as possible.

Your baby's identification bracelet.  Your baby should have it on at all times. If it is missing, please ask the nurse to get a new one.

Keep your baby safe. Ask staff for help when moving your baby from the cot, crib or overhead warmer. Always stay with your baby during weighing or bathing. Keep the side rails up and latched or incubator doors closed.

Alarms and monitors. Allow the alarm on your baby's medical equipment to beep. This helps staff know to check your baby.

Safe sleep practices. Ask your baby's nurse about "safe sleep" practices that apply to your baby's stage.

 

Info for families

Info for Families

You are encouraged to spend as much time with your baby as you wish any time day or night; you can phone at any time and as often as you need, especially if you are worried about your baby.

From the start, make it your goal to form a working relationship with the healthcare team; help us keep in touch with you. It is important that the nursery knows where you can be reached. Please make sure your contact number is up to date.

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