Excellent Care from the Moment of Birth
We are privileged to help your newborn baby transition from life in the womb to life in the outside world. At West Penn Hospital we specialize in the care and medical evaluation of newborns through the provision of safe, evidence-based standards of care. This care will be provided by the caring hands and compassionate hearts of the highly trained and skilled newborn nursery staff.
During the baby’s hospital stay, the doctors and nursery staff will provide you and your family with all the support and preparation you need during the first few days of your baby’s life. We will work hard to provide you with an environment that enhances family attachment and supports the bonding process between you and your baby.
Babies will be examined by their primary care pediatrician (PCP) or the house neonatologist – a highly trained pediatrician who specializes in the care of newborn babies – when the PCP is not available. The hospital records will be faxed to the PCP within 24 hours of discharge. If you do not have a PCP we will help you find a local pediatrician who is competent and respected within the medical community.
Lactation consultants are available for private sessions seven days a week, and the Lactation Center (conveniently located on site) offers a variety of breast feeding supplies and education for parents.
Babies will have a number of procedures, screenings and tests before discharge. Your baby’s doctor will give you information and discuss immunizations, jaundice screening, hearing test, metabolic screening, car seat test, circumcision, nutrition and breast feeding, storage of cord blood, safe sleeping practices for the prevention of SIDS, bathing and care of the umbilical cord and many other issues.
West Penn Hospital has a state-of-the-art Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) equipped to provide the highest level of comprehensive intensive care for extremely premature infants and infants with medical and surgical problems.
West Penn Hospital supports a family-centered care philosophy and our goal is to give all families a positive and memorable experience.
