Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) cares for babies that are premature, have low birth weight or require special care. In the NICU, we promote family-centered care.
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) has temporarily relocated to Level 2 of the North tower. The NICU is a locked, secure unit. To enter or exit, press the button on the intercom. A nurse will let you in or out. Immediately wash your hands with soap and water.
Common Areas in the NICU
Family Room
The Family Room is open to families 24 hours a day. It contains a small kitchenette, with a refrigerator and microwave.
Bunk Room
The Bunk Room is available to mothers who need to stay overnight and can be booked based on availability.
What to Expect
Each baby has their own care area that includes space for parents.
While in the NICU, baby's health care team may consist of physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, lactation consultants, allied health care providers and parents.
Parents are welcome in the NICU 24 hours a day.
Interdisciplinary Family Rounds
Every Tuesday and Friday at 10am an interdisciplinary team consisting of nurses, doctors, dietitians, pharmacists and social workers meet to discuss the care and progress of your baby. As a vital member of the health care team, parents are encouraged to attend.
Breastfeeding Support
Certified Lactation Consultants may visit while your baby is in the hospital. After you take your baby home, you can also get breastfeeding advice by calling 905-681-4840 ext.1.
Visiting the NICU
Parents and legal guardians may be present 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Only two people can be at the bedside at one time.
Visitors must be accompanied by one parent or legal guardian.
Siblings visiting the NICU must show proof of vaccination. Non-sibling visitors are not encouraged.
You will be asked to sign in, wash hands with soap and water, and answer screening questions every time you enter the unit.
Please do not visit if you are sick.
Going Home with your Newborn
When it is time to take baby home, the health care team will develop a discharge plan. The plan will include information about feeding, after care, medication, follow up appointments and important phone numbers.
Follow Up
The nurse will provide information about the Healthy Babies, Healthy Children Program. A public health nurse may contact you by phone within a day or two of discharge.
If you have questions about baby’s care after discharge, contact your family physician or pediatrician.
Resources
Healthy Babies, Healthy Children Program
Regional services for families with children from birth to age six. Information and supportive home visiting for eligible families. Call 311.
Infant Hearing Screening
Hearing screening for babies. Call Erin Oaks at 1-877-374-6625 – select option “3” to arrange for hearing screening once your baby is discharged.
Newborn
For access to mother and newborn resources in French and 17 other languages, please visit the Best Start website.
Adapted with permission of Ottawa Public Health. For educational and non-commercial purposes only.
How do I get to?
Second floor of the North Tower - 2N 506
From the Parking Garage:
- Make your way to the second floor of the Parking Garage.
- Cross the walkway to the hospital.
- Stop at Admitting to register for your visit.
- Continue past the Cafeteria and the Information Desk and walk along the corridor with the wavy wall.
- When you come to the North Tower, take the elevator to the second floor.
- Exit the elevator and turn left – there are signs for the Maternal/Child Clinics.
- Enter through the push doors on the right. 2N506 is the third door on the left.
Directions from North Shore Blvd (North Tower) Entrance:
- Take the North Tower elevator to the second floor.
- Exit the elevator and turn left.
- Follow signs to the Maternal and Child Clinics.
- Enter through the push doors on the right. Room 2N506 is the third door on the left
