The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) cares for newborns who need close monitoring and extra support. This guide shares information about daily routines, what to expect, and how the team works to support babies and families.
Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN) provides all basic items for babies in the NICU. But, if you would like to, you can bring:
Please label all items with your last name. Floral arrangements and balloons are not allowed in the unit.
Babies who are sick or born early have special needs. The NICU is here to help them grow and develop.
The NICU is a quiet and restful environment. Some ways we help babies and their families be more comfortable include:
We know having a baby stay in NICU is a stressful experience. Our team is here to support you. Please ask us if you have questions.
The NICU focuses on giving babies the safest and most supportive care. When your baby stays in the NICU, their healthcare team will explain:
During your baby’s stay, we may move them to another area of the NICU. We make these decisions based on your baby’s needs and the needs of other patients. For example, if we need to use different equipment to care for your baby. Please do not be alarmed if we move your baby.
We use many kinds of equipment during care, including:
You may call any time and speak to your baby’s nurse to find out how your baby is doing. Our phone number is 519-749-4300, ext. 2348. We will ask you to share your baby’s privacy code and hospital ID number. We will give you this code when your baby is admitted to the NICU.
Your baby will have a primary doctor while in hospital. They will visit regularly and share updates about your baby’s progress and treatment. An on-call doctor is always available as well. They may also care for your baby.
It is helpful if you prepare a list of questions for your baby’s care team. Your baby’s nurse can answer many questions. They will also help you contact the primary doctor as needed.
We work hard to keep the NICU safe for your baby. Here are some ways we protect babies, and how parents and visitors can help.
Babies in the NICU need protection from infections. Everyone must wash their hands with soap and water or clean them with sanitizer:
Hand sanitizer is available throughout the unit. You can use sanitizer between hand-washings if your hands do not look dirty. It is also important for parents and visitors to stay home when they are sick. This helps us keep babies healthy.
The NICU has many ways it keeps babies, families, and team members safe:
NICU nurses are trained to help new parents breastfeed their babies. A lactation consultant is also available if you need extra help. We have breast pumps and breast pump kits available for you to use during your baby’s hospital stay.
WRHN works with other hospitals to make sure every baby gets the care they need. Some babies may need to go to a larger hospital for more specialized care.
Sometimes, babies also come to WRHN from other hospitals. Transferring to a new hospital can be stressful. It can be hard to leave the familiar setting you are used to. You may also see a temporary change in your baby’s feeding pattern, behaviour, or oxygen needs.
We know you will likely have many questions when you arrive at WRHN. Please ask our NICU team. They are here to support you and help you feel more comfortable.
Before your baby can go home, they must:
The team will also help you learn how to care for your baby safely before you leave.
Some families may need extra support at home. Community caregivers can visit the hospital to help you get ready. Support groups may also be available for babies with special needs. You can ask your nurse for more information.
If you are traveling by car, your baby must be in a CSA-approved infant car seat. Make sure the seat is used safely and correctly.
It is normal to feel nervous about caring for your baby at home. You will gain confidence over time.
Please follow these guidelines to protect babies from infections:
If you have questions about visiting the NICU, call our team at 519-749-4300, ext. 2348.
When you share your compliments and concerns, you help make care better. We value hearing from patients, families, care partners, and community members. Your feedback helps us understand what we are doing well and where we can improve.