NICU Team
Below is a list of staff who may be working with you and your baby during your baby’s stay in the NICU. Please feel free to ask them what their title is and what they are doing for your baby. Each member of the staff works together as a team to give your baby the best holistic care possible.
Lactation consultant/educator
A specially trained individual who assists new parents with breastfeeding issues.
Neonatologist
A pediatrician with special training in the care of sick and preterm babies.
Occupational therapist
An individual who is available to evaluate how your child interacts with the world. The therapists will instruct parents on hospital and home activities to help the infant increase mobility and strengthen motor and sensory functions.
Pharmacist
An individual specially trained in the administration and makeup of medications used to treat babies in the NICU.
Physical therapist
An individual specially trained to help position babies correctly, help with orthopaedic abnormalities and assess babies for muscular development and tone.
Registered dietitian
An individual with special training in the nutritional needs of your baby.
Registered nurse
An individual specially trained in the care of the premature and/or ill infant.
Respiratory therapist
An individual trained to assist in the operation of respiratory machines such as ventilators and perform procedures which assist a baby’s breathing and oxygen intake.
Social worker
An individual who has received special training to help families cope with the aspects of having a baby in the NICU. In addition, a social worker may help parents make any necessary arrangements for needed resources.
Speech therapist
An individual trained to assess a baby for feeding readiness and oral development.
Unit clerk
An individual who does the secretarial work, assists with paperwork during admissions and discharges, answers the telephone and generally organizes the activities of the NICU.
