DIVISION OF NEONATOLOGY

Resources

For Families: A Guide to the NICU and Care of Your Baby

Before your baby was born, you probably did not expect an early arrival or medical problems. Yet now your baby needs special care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Having a premature or very sick newborn can be a shock to families. You may feel helpless and powerless to help your baby. You are not alone. Almost all parents who have had an infant in the NICU have expressed thoughts and feelings of fear, guilt, depression, exhaustion and many other things.

But you should know that during your baby's stay in our NICU, a highly skilled team of doctors, nurses, social workers, and other health professionals will provide your baby and you with expert medical care and emotional support. Our goal is to make sure your baby thrives and that you and your family are partners in the care of your baby.

As partners in your baby's care, there are things you need to know:

Resources for Parents

Premature babies are unique and need special treatment. They are not at the same stage of development as full-term infants, nor are they like babies still in the womb. Many families find it helpful to learn as much as they can about the challenges they face.

There are resources covering topics such as commonly used medications, emotional support, and things to know before and after discharge. To learn more, visit:

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Privacy and Confidentiality for You and Your Baby

Since you may not be able to always be with your baby while in the NICU, we have developed the following guidelines to protect your family's and baby's privacy and uphold confidentiality. As your baby's parents and/or guardians, you will be given your baby's University Hospital/NICU medical history number that you will use when calling and visiting. We also ask that parents and/or guardians carry some form of identification with them when visiting. You are welcome to take close up videos and photos of your baby but for protection of privacy, no panoramas of the NICU are allowed. You can also arrange with the UHS First Photo for pictures to be taken when your baby is discharged from the NICU.

Visitation

Parents and grandparents are welcome to visit the NICU at any time except 6:30 a.m.-8 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. We ask that all visitors leave the NICU at this time due to change of shift and matters of patient confidentiality. NICU relative/friend visitation is daily from 2 p.m.-5 p.m. Friend or relative must be accompanied by one of the parents during their visitation.

Siblings are permitted visitation throughout the day but must be accompanied by a parent and the sibling must be free of illnesses. The charge nurse will determine if sibling visitation is appropriate depending on the baby's condition and unit activity. Two visitors at a time are permitted at the bedside. We ask for your patience and cooperation with this matter.

All visitors must wash their hands at the sink before entering the Nursery. Every time you leave the Nursery and come back in, you must wash your hands again. Yellow gowns are not required wear for parents and grandparents unless you plan to hold the baby during your visit. If you wear a gown, please put the gown in the laundry hamper by the door when you leave the NICU.

If special procedures such as surgery, new admissions or x-rays are taking place in the nursery, you may be asked to leave the area. Please cooperate with the nurse and understand that this is done for your protection and for the patients.

Drinking, eating and smoking are not permitted in the NICU or waiting area. The cafeteria on the third floor is open 22 hours a day (closed 4 a.m. to 6 a.m.).

University Hospital is a teaching hospital associated with UT Health Science Center at San Antonio. Your baby's doctors are specially trained to take care of infants. Because this is a teaching hospital, your baby may have residents and medical students assisting with the medical care but there will be a neonatal specialist in charge and supervising on the premises at all times.

The staff of the NICU understands you are concerned about your baby's condition and want to check on him frequently throughout the day and night. When calling in to check on your baby's condition, please call 210-358-1593. The unit clerk will forward your call to the nurse caring for your baby.

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Directions to University Hospital NICU/University Health System

Address:
4502 Medical Drive
San Antonio, Texas 78229-4493

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: 210-358-1593
Neonatal Transport Hotline at: 800-616-6122

Quick Directory for University Hospital Newborn Care Sites
NICU, 5th floor D elevators
NICU Classroom, 5th floor D elevators
Baby Safe Place, NICU 5th floor D elevators
Child Safe Place, 5th floor A elevators


Help with Insurance, Lodging and Other Arrangements, Counseling

The University Health System NICU has a team of professionals to help you with arrangements while your baby is in the NICU. Social worker Susan Gardner, LMSW, and Continuity of Care Coordinator, Olga Haug, RN, evaluate each family's needs based on their situation and work with them to obtain assistance. As experts in linking families with resources, they can answer your many questions, connect you to other services, and offer guidance, even in a time of crisis. For information, contact Susan Gardner at 210-358-1495 or Olga Haug, RN, at 210-358-1145.

Financial Screen:
You may be eligible for a discount on your hospital bills based on your family's income and resources. Discuss this with UHS Admissions, open 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. on first floor and after hours, 10 p.m.-6:30 a.m., on 4th Floor, by Elevator D.

Medicaid:
Medicaid is a state and federally funded health insurance program. If you do not have health insurance, you should apply for Medicaid coverage.  Medicaid can also act as a secondary health insurance for babies already covered by your commercial insurance. If your child is expected to be hospitalized for over 30 days, your child should qualify for Medicaid during this hospitalization regardless of your family income. Just ask your nurse or doctor if you need to get in touch with the social worker.

Lodging:
Ronald McDonald House is a great lodging resource for out-of-town parents. Because rooms are limited, arrangements should be made in advance. Ronald McDonald House has an income-based shuttle service that is completely covered by Medicaid for those traveling over 50 miles. Ask the social worker or continuity of care coordinator in the NICU or call the Ronald McDonald House on 4803 Sid Katz Dr.; 210-614-2554.

For other lodging, a list of nearby hotels is listed at UHS Visitor Information or through the UHS social worker and continuity of care coordinator. When preparing to take your baby home, you may arrange to room in with your baby prior to discharge from the NICU.

Parking:
Patient and visitor parking are located at the front of University Hospital. A fee is charged by the hour. Parking vouchers are available for discount parking while your baby is in the NICU. If the stay is longer than 30 days, special provisions may be arranged. You should discuss this with the NICU social worker or continuity of care coordinator.

Transportation:
People enrolled in Medicaid may receive reimbursement for mileage or other support for their medical transportation needs, including out-of-area transportation. For more information, contact the Texas Department of Transportation's Medical Transportation Program toll-free at 1-877-633-8747 (1-877-MED-TRIP).

UHS Child Health and Safety Awareness Program provides car seat inspections and assistance with installations. This service is available by appointment at 210-358-4272.

Pastoral Care:
The UHS hospital chapel is located in the main corridor on the first floor of the hospital. The Director of Pastoral Care can be reached at 210-358-2387. Catholic services are held on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. and Protestant services are held on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. Currently, all denominations do not offer services. However, every attempt will be made to locate a representative of your denomination. Volunteer chaplains are available 24 hours upon request. If you would like to see a chaplain, please ask your nurse for assistance.

Discharge/Long-Term Follow-Up Care:
The PREMIEre Program offers comprehensive follow-up care during the first three years of life for premature infants who weigh less than 3.5 pounds at birth. At discharge from the NICU, these infants and their families are enrolled in the program if appropriate.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI):
SSI is a Social Security Federal disability benefits program that provides monthly payments for children who meet medical and financial guidelines. Receiving SSI qualifies a child to get Medicaid.  Call Social Security at 800-772-1213.  Website: http://www.ssa.gov

WIC:
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) is a US Department of Agriculture program that assists breastfeeding moms with food coupons and bottle feeding moms with formula. WIC is income based. At the time your baby is discharged from the NICU, the NICU social worker or continuity of care coordinator will provide forms for applying for WIC and provide assistance with physical waivers for families with infants who cannot be taken to WIC appointments.

Case Management:
Case management is a Medicaid service to help assist children, women who are pregnant, and their families in getting help with access to needed medical services, finding help near where they live, equipment and supplies and other concerns. This service is offered through Texas Department of State Health Services, Texas Health Steps Outreach and Informing Hotline, toll-free at 1-877-847-3877 (1-877-THSTEPS).