Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is a place where babies with special needs receive special around-the-clock care from physicians and nurses with advanced training.

Our neonatal intensive care unit or NICU is just steps away from the Family Birth Center if the need should arise. Mercy's  NICU provides specialized care for premature babies and embraces parents as a vital part of the health care team. 

Visiting Your Baby

You are welcome to visit your baby at any time in the NICU. There are some precautions that must be taken in order to enter the NICU. Our staff will walk you through the necessary steps you'll need to take each time you visit your baby, whether you plan to touch your baby or not. 

If you are feeling ill please let us know. If you display symptoms of coughing, sneezing, runny nose, rash, fever, or have been exposed to a communicable disease we ask that you do not enter.

The NICU is a small area, and the number of visitors may be limited on occasion.

How is My Baby Doing?

If you have any questions regarding your baby's condition please feel free to ask your baby's nurse. Your nurse is here for you as well as your baby and will be happy to answer any questions that you may have. Parents are encouraged to call the NICU at anytime of the day or night to ask about their baby.

The telephone number to call to check on your baby is (661) 663-6070. Dial extension 6070 if calling from a room within the hospital. Patient confidentiality laws restrict our ability to release information about your baby to anyone other than the baby's parents.

For Your Information

We have extensive information on newborn problems, premature infants, various support groups, including social services and chaplaincy. Please feel free to ask for these materials if interested.

Also, please ask if you have any questions on breastfeeding or using a breast pump.