Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

Level III NICU in Central Massachusetts and Beyond

The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at UMass Memorial Medical Center – Children’s Medical Center is the region’s only Level III NICU, caring for extremely premature babies and newborns with complex medical needs. A Level III NICU is equipped to treat babies born as early as 22 weeks gestation. As a regional referral center, we also receive babies from other birthing centers who need the high level of care our team provides.

Our team includes 24/7 on-site neonatologists, neonatal nurses and advanced practice providers. Other specialists, such as neonatal physical therapists, respiratory therapists and dietitians, may also participate in your child’s care.

We’re proud to care for the diverse community in Central Massachusetts and beyond. Our team includes specialists fluent in multiple languages, and we offer comprehensive translation services. 

Family-Centered Care

Our NICU uses a family-centered care model. This approach reduces stress and trauma for families and helps parents gain confidence in caring for their baby. Research shows that family-centered care also improves outcomes for NICU babies and their parents. With this approach, you benefit from:

24-Hour Parent Visits

You can be with your baby anytime, day or night. Whenever possible, we help you participate in skin-to-skin contact, bathing and feeding with your baby. This special bonding time reduces stress for your baby and establishes a strong parent-child attachment.

In between visits, our Cuddler Program is here to help. Under a nurse’s supervision, trained volunteers gently talk to or hold your baby.

Breastfeeding Support

We encourage breastfeeding your baby in the NICU if your baby is stable and you choose to do so. We also encourage pumping milk.  Our NICU lactation consultants and nurses support you throughout the process. We also offer pasteurized donor breast milk to the youngest babies to help protect them from infections when the mother’s milk is not available.

Infant-Driven Feeding (IDF) Program

We use the Infant-Driven Feeding (IDF) Program, which is designed around your baby’s individual readiness cues to help them get the nutrition they need and have a more positive feeding experience. IDF provides many benefits for premature babies or newborns with special medical needs.

Case Managers

Your dedicated case manager serves as your advocate and key communicator between you, the NICU team and your insurance company. Your case manager can address your insurance questions and assist in planning for your baby’s care at home.

Child Life Care for Siblings

One of our full-time Child Life Specialists exclusively supports our NICU families. This specially trained team member gets to know your baby’s siblings, using education and play to ease stress and anxiety.

Family-Centered Daily Rounds

Every morning, our team examines your baby and plans their care for the day. We invite and encourage you to participate in these rounds and ask questions.

If you cannot make rounds, we document your baby’s care plan in their chart, which you can access in myChart anytime. If you have any questions, your baby’s care team will address them.

Family Spaces

If you need a short break, our family lounge offers a quiet place to sit and relax. Parents who wish to stay the night can use our family overnight rooms. These suites provide a comfortable space to rest while remaining close to your baby. 

Social Workers

Our NICU team includes full-time social workers who help you cope with the stress of having a baby in the NICU. They connect you with any available resources for transportation, food, baby supplies, emotional support and day-to-day challenges.