Parents play an essential role in their baby's care in our NICU. Your bedside nurse will help you learn how to participate.
We also provide educational sessions and encourage parents to participate during morning medical rounds. This is an opportunity for you to gain insights into your baby's care and contribute to the decision-making process.
Infection prevention is very important in the NICU. Learn more about our infection prevention policies.
Family Integrated Care (FICare)
At Mount Sinai Hospital, we have developed the Family Integrated Care (FICare) approach to infant care in the NICU, which has since been adopted by hospitals across the world. We strongly encourage parents to be the primary caregivers for their infants, even during their time in the NICU.
Our goal is to empower you with the skills and confidence you need to care for your baby.
Studies have shown that infants cared for through the FICare model may experience the following improvements.
- Faster growth
- Less stress
- Shorter stays in the NICU
- Lower chances of needing to return to the NICU
- Breastfeed longer
Morning medical rounds
Every morning, your baby’s whole NICU team including the neonatologist, nurses and other health-care professionals visit each infant to discuss their care.
We strongly encourage parents to attend and to actively participate in these medical rounds. By listening, asking questions and providing information about your baby, you can gain a complete understanding of the care your baby is receiving.
If you are not able to come to the unit in person, we offer e-rounds which allow you to join virtually. E-rounds are offered Monday, Wednesday and Friday. If you are interested in participating, please connect with your social worker.
Please note that we are a teaching hospital so your baby’s care may involve medical students, residents, fellows or other medical trainees. Learners are supervised by other members of our dedicated care team who work together to provide you with comprehensive care.
Parenting your baby
Your baby's nurse will guide and support you as you learn to care for your infant. You will be encouraged to take part in your baby’s care in the following ways:
- Holding your baby through skin-to-skin contact as much as possible
- Comforting your baby by giving a soother, stroking or hand hugging
- Reading and talking to your baby
- Changing diapers
- Taking your baby's temperature
- Bathing your baby
- Feeding your baby
- Keeping a diary or scrapbook
It is also important for you to take care of yourself. Learn more about our NICU parent supports.
Family meetings
During family meetings, your baby’s care team will meet with you to review how your baby is doing and what the next steps in their care will be. You are welcome to invite other support people to attend the meeting with you.
These are usually offered within the first three weeks of your baby’s admission to the NICU and on an as-needed basis. You can also request a meeting through your social worker at any time. Family meetings are also available virtually.
Security
For your baby's safety, the NICU operates as a secured unit with controlled entry access. Parents are an important part of our team and will be given keyless access during their stay in the NICU. During your first visit to the NICU, please introduce yourself to the unit clerk, who will ask for your ID and set up your keyless access.
Visitors to the NICU should call the unit from the phone outside the door to check in with the ward clerk. All visitors must be accompanied by at least one parent at the bedside.
Security personnel regularly patrol the 17th floor and surveillance equipment is strategically placed throughout the hospital.
NICU rooms and facilities
Each baby in our NICU has a private room. Most rooms have a bench you can sleep on or a comfortable chair. We can also provide privacy screens for pumping or sleeping.
You are welcome to be at your baby’s bedside at all times.
When you first enter your baby’s room, you may feel overwhelmed by all the different medical equipment. Your baby's nurse will take the time to explain how each piece of equipment helps us care for your baby.
Water and ice machines are located in the hall. Please note that only paper cups are permitted in the room for infection control.
No food or drink is allowed in the unit.
Family areas
The family lounge (room 17-205) is located just outside the NICU, beside the Sinai Shop. The lounge is equipped with a microwave and TV and is available for eating meals and snacks. Your baby's nurse can provide you with the access code.
There are two other family areas available inside the NICU for parents who would like some quiet time away from the bedside. Young children cannot be left unattended in these rooms.
Dishwasher room
The dishwasher room (room 17-025) is the only place you can wash pump parts. When using this room:
- Bring your own pump or kit (bottles, flanges, valves, tubing and membranes)
- Use paper towel to dry the pump parts after washing
- You do not need to wash the yellow membranes and tubes
If you have any questions or concerns about pumping, talk to your baby’s nurse or the lactation consultant.
Lockers
Lockers for coats and oversized luggage are located in two places. They are just outside the entrance to the NICU and inside the family lounge. Please remember to bring your own lock.
Sleep rooms
In addition to our standard NICU rooms, we offer four sleep rooms for parents who need to stay overnight for special situations such as overnight breastfeeding or to be on-site for a critically ill baby.
These rooms are located on the 17th floor near the NICU and are supplied with the following:
- A single bed with sheets, blankets and pillows
- A bathroom with a shower, towels and face cloths
The use of these rooms is prioritized based on the urgency of the situation. You can ask your baby's nurse if a room is available or request to be put on a waiting list.
Please note that you may be asked to leave the room if there is an urgent request from another family with special circumstances. Depending on your needs, we will try our best to make other arrangements for you.
Check out time is 10 a.m. and check-in times vary. No food is provided, so please bring your own.
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