NICU

Our NICU is located at Corpus Christi Medical Center Bay Area near our labor and delivery unit. As a Level III NICU, we are ready to provide critical care for babies:

• Born before 32 weeks of gestation
• Weighing less than three pounds and five ounces
• With a medical condition that requires surgery or other specialized pediatric care

We have a full range of respiratory equipment to provide life support as long as necessary. Your baby will also have access to advanced imaging technology and specialists who can interpret the scans and assist with diagnosis.

Your baby may need various tests and procedures, depending on their medical condition. Some of the more common tests, treatments or procedures done in our NICU include:

• High-frequency oscillatory ventilation treatment
• Inhaled nitric oxide treatment
• Percutaneous intravenous central catheter (PICC) line

Neonatal transport services

Sometimes, unexpected emergencies occur in facilities that are not equipped to care for sick newborns. We have a 24/7 specialty transport team that transfers babies by ground or air. Our team is highly trained and includes registered nurses and respiratory therapists prepared to care for a wide range of needs during transport. We use the most advanced technologies to provide advanced neonatal care while safely transporting your baby.

In addition to providing intensive care your baby needs, we offer several family-centered programs. These are designed to help you, your family and your baby thrive during your time in our NICU and beyond. Some programs we offer include:

• Breastfeeding and lactation support — Breast milk provides the best nutrition for the growth and development of full-term and premature babies. We offer the support and information you need for breastfeeding and storing breast milk during your baby's stay in the NICU.
• Early Childhood Intervention Referral Program — This program provides interventions to help your baby reach developmental milestones.
• Kangaroo Club — Skin-to-skin contact has many benefits, particularly for babies born preterm or at low birth weight. We encourage you and your partner to hold your baby against your bare chest to provide extra warmth and promote bonding. Your nurse will help you start kangaroo care and tell you what is best for your baby.
• ScrapTherapy program — This program provides you with a scrapbook and supplies to document your baby's milestones and progress while in the NICU.
• The Cuddle Club — When you can't be by your baby's side, we have trained volunteers available to provide extra comfort by spending time with your baby.

For families who have lost a child, our bereavement team is available to provide emotional and spiritual support. For more information about our NICU services, please call (361) 761-2020.

Our NICU and newborn nursery staff have completed the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP), which provides essential training and education for healthcare providers who care for newborns requiring resuscitation. The program aims to improve neonatal outcomes by equipping healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to appropriately respond in critical situations.

Our NICU team includes:

• Anesthesiologists
• Cardiologists
• Neonatal nurses
• Neonatal surgeons
• Neonatologist
• Nephrologists
• Neurologists
• Ophthalmologists
• Physical therapists
• Respiratory therapists

Our NICU and newborn teams have also completed the S.T.A.B.L.E. program, which focuses exclusively on the post-resuscitation and pre-transport stabilization care of sick infants. The successful completion of these programs demonstrates our commitment to career development and dedication to providing high-quality care.