Newborn Speciality Care
Neonatal critical care
Well-babies
We’re committed to providing our smallest patients with the best care available. For healthy, full-term infants, we encourage the practice of rooming-in on a 24-hour basis because it enhances the physical and psychological benefits for both mother and child. Our experienced staff will help teach you to care for your newborn in your own room.
Neonatal Intesive Care
Neonatal care ranges from healthy babies born at full term to intensive, round-the-clock life support for premature or high-risk newborns. While most high-risk women will have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies, it's good to know you can deliver at a hospital that is specially equipped to care for preemies. From premature babies to twins, triplets or more, the neonatal specialists at Lakeside Hospital are uniquely qualified to take care of your newborn and any special needs he or she might have.
Board-certified neonatologists and neonatal nurse practitioners provide 24/7, on-site care for NICU infants. A dedicated team of nurses, respiratory therapists, occupational therapists, chaplains, and social services professionals work together toward one goal—a positive outcome.
Neonatal transport team
Neonatal critical care transport is on call to transfer newborns with high-risk healthcare needs and varying diagnoses to Lakeside Hospital’s Level III NICU. Our transport team consists of specially trained registered nurses and respiratory therapists that accompany infants during the transfer process by ambulance, helicopter or airplane depending on location.
NICU level III
Lakeside has a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) designation offering the highest level of neonatal critical care recognized by the State of Louisiana. The NICU at Lakeside is equipped with advanced technology and treatment offerings. Your baby’s care plan is based on their gestational age (how long they have been in the womb) and health status.
What do NICU levels mean?
Level I NICU
- Well care for healthy newborns
Level II NICU
- Care for stable preterm infants needing gavage feeding and thermoregulation
- Noninvasive ventilation, such as nasal CPAP with continuous monitoring
- Antibiotics and IV fluids with pharmacy and lab support
- Stabilization and transfer protocols for complex or worsening conditions
Level III NICU
- Comprehensive respiratory support
- Central line management, parenteral nutrition, and advanced analgesia and sedation
- 24/7 in-house or immediately available neonatal providers
- Access to pediatric subspecialists and surgical services with transfer pathways
- Levels I & II care
If your newborn needs a higher level of care, we are partnered with Manning Family Children’s, home to a Level IV NICU and the only hospital in Louisiana offering every pediatric medical and surgical specialty under one roof.