Intensive Care for Premature Babies
When a baby arrives earlier than expected, families are concerned about their baby's health and development and may worry about caring for it at home. At Piedmont, premature infants are placed in specially designed isolettes for warmth and safety. This carefully regulated environment helps ensure the baby will thrive.
Unfortunately, this isolation also causes parents to be separated from their baby. Piedmont addresses this by allowing parents and premature babies to experience physical closeness. During special sessions, the infant's dressed only in a diaper and rests skin-to-skin against the parent's chest. This physical contact stimulates the baby and promotes bonding between parent and baby. Mothers can also use these sessions to encourage their babies to breastfeed.
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Team
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) team provides subspecialty care and comprehensive services for at-risk and medically fragile newborns in a comfortable, supportive environment. It features advanced technology, enhanced space around incubators for easy access, and special lighting controls. Neonatologists, neonatal nurse practitioners, specialized nurses, and respiratory therapists help newborns gain the strength needed to begin life outside the hospital. The team may also include a trained neonatal transport team that uses a specially equipped vehicle to provide services throughout the region.
Level III NICU Service Provider
Several of our locations - Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Fayette, Henry, Macon, Newnan and Rockdale - have a Level III NICU designation. This means we have the capability to provide comprehensive care for infants ranging from extremely low birth weight to full-term requiring specialized interventions. The unit also provides advanced respiratory support, advanced imaging and access to pediatric medical subspecialists such as pediatric cardiologists and pediatric neurologists. Piedmont Athens' helistop also allows transfers from other area hospitals with babies needing advanced medical care.
Piedmont Newton has a Level II Special Care Nursery for infants needing the care of neonatologists and neonatal nurses.
Parent Advisory Council at Piedmont Columbus Regional
The Parent Advisory Council supports the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit / High-Risk Nursery families and Piedmont Columbus Regional Midtown Campus staff. The council consists of staff and parents of NICU / High-Risk Nursery graduates who share their experiences to promote an environment of family-centered care for current patients and families. For more information, call 706-571-1014.