Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

If your newborn needs extra care before going home, they’ll receive loving attention at St. Bernards Medical Center, which has the only NICU in northeast Arkansas. Our level IIIA NICU is the region’s safest place for critically ill full-term babies and premature infants born as early as 26 weeks. Find out how we can make a big difference in your little one’s life.

Why is My Baby in the NICU?

Babies may receive intensive care because they:

• Arrived early (less than 35 weeks gestation)
• Weigh less than 4 pounds
• Show symptoms of an infection
• Need help breathing
• Can’t eat enough on their own
• Were born with a disability
• Have low blood sugar
• Need close monitoring for any other reason

Transfers From Other Hospitals

If your baby was born at another hospital, they may come here for NICU care. Our transfer line for healthcare providers is 870.207.7050.

NICU Services

Depending on your baby’s condition, they may receive:

• Feedings through a vein (IV)
• Medications from a pediatric pharmacy that’s available 24/7
• Ultrasound imaging, including a heart scan (echocardiogram)
• Ophthalmology services for preterm retinal development
• Different ventilatory modalities that help tiny lungs breathe until they grow stronger

See the NICU

Watch our video tour of the Birthcare Center to take a peek inside the neonatal intensive care unit.

NICU Team

Look forward to personal, family-centered care from:

• Neonatologists – Pediatricians who specialize in newborn intensive care that oversee your infant’s care and are available 24/7 to respond to urgent needs
• Neonatal nurse practitioners – Advanced practice providers who specialize in NICU care and perform medical procedures
• Neonatal nurses – Registered nurses who specialize in infant care and provide breastfeeding support
• Neonatal respiratory therapists – Professionals who help newborn babies breathe better

You or your infant may also see a board-certified lactation consultant, patient care technician, occupational therapist, physical therapist, speech/swallowing therapist, dietitian, pharmacist, social worker or discharge planner. Each professional gets to know your family and offers the same compassionate care they’d give a friend.

How Can I Help My Baby?

Your infant loves to hear your voice, so read a children’s book to soothe them. Research shows this supports babies’ language development.

Once your newborn’s condition is stable, you can cuddle your baby, change diapers and take temperatures. Lactation consultants offer guidance on breastfeeding, which has health benefits for both you and your little one. If your milk hasn’t come in, ask if donated breast milk is available.

Who Can Visit the NICU?

Two visitors, including parents, are welcome any time. Parents may stay for as long as they’d like. Ask your nurse how long other adult visitors can stay. To protect all babies, don’t visit if you’re sick. 

The NICU is closed during shift change from 6:30-7:30 am & pm daily. We only allow visitors 18 and older.

When Will We Go Home?

Babies can stay in the NICU for a few hours or a few months. For your little one to safely go home, they must:

• No longer need oxygen
• Take all feedings by mouth
• Maintain their temperature in a crib

We’ll explain how to care for your newborn and help arrange follow-up care from a pediatrician or family doctor, so your baby grows up in the best possible health.