Neonatal Intensive Care Units
For those who need us the most
Once a baby leaves the safe confines of its mother’s womb, his or her body must make a quick transition to the “outside” world. Being born prematurely, enduring a difficult delivery or other influences can make this transition more challenging.
For babies who are struggling with this transition, Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare (WFH) offers some of the highest levels of care in Wisconsin, including exceptional high-risk intensive care for even the most fragile of newborns.
Options in Southeastern Wisconsin
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare -All Saints in Racine is the only Level III NICU serving Racine and Kenosha Counties. This unit features 18 beds equipped with the latest and most advanced technology designed specifically for the care of critically ill infants and a staff dedicated to ultimate family-centered care.
Wheaton Franciscan-St. Joseph in Milwaukee has a Level III, 54-bed Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and has cared for more at-risk newborns than any other facility in Wisconsin. Leading the way in neonatal care, treatment and outcomes, the St. Joseph NICU is the first choice for parents-to-be. In fact, 10 other area hospitals also choose St. Joseph as their top choice when referring or transferring high-risk pregnancy mothers or special-need newborns. A multidisciplinary staff led by Neonatologists and Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialists, as well as nurses specially trained in neonatal intensive care, provide these infants with the care and attention they need. Confidence and quality are their benchmark. Parents with babies who are "graduates" of the NICU, have suspected developmental delays, or other issues can access the Stepping Stones neonatal developmental assessment program or our Infant Apnea program.
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare - Elmbrook Memorial and St. Francis are both prepared to care for any baby who demonstrates even the slightest difficulty adjusting to life after birth through their Special Care Nurseries. These nurseries treat infants who have unexpected difficulty during delivery or after birth or who are born up to 8 weeks prematurely. If necessary, both sites have immediate access to southern Wisconsin’s largest and most comprehensive Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit – St. Joseph’s for immediate and easily accessible transfers.
A Team of Experts
Teams of highly qualified and highly compassionate experts care for the babies in Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare NICUs and Special Care Nurseries. Each team is committed to providing the best care and outcomes for each baby they treat. Together, teams will work with parents to provide regular updates, information and reassurances. They will also work with parents to develop a plan of care for high-risk newborns.
Team members include: Neonatologists, Neonatal Nurses, Respiratory Therapists, Dietitians, Physical and Occupational Therapists, Social Workers, Pharmacists, Lab Technicians, Lactation Consultants, Hospital Chaplains, and various physician specialists who treat specific issues with the heart, brain or lungs.
What is a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit?
A Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)combines advanced trained healthcare professionals who have specialized in the unique needs of newborns with equipment and technology specifically designed for infant comfort, care and monitoring.
For Parents or Loved Ones With Babies in the NICU
Click here for in-depth information on what to expect and make the most of the NICU, its staff and its resources.
