Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

A Place Where Miracles Grow
Life’s dearest miracles—newborn babies—come to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) when they need special care. For decades, the NICU staff at Advocate Lutheran General Children’s Hospital has helped low birth-weight, premature and critically ill newborns grow and thrive.

Our Expertise
Established in 1972, the NICU at Lutheran General Children’s Hospital is a state-of-the-art medical unit where the most advanced technologies and exceptionally skilled professionals work together to treat critically ill and premature infants. It is one of the largest facilities of its kind in the area, caring for more than 800 infants each year including over 80 multiples. And, more than 300 mothers and infants are transferred annually from other area hospitals to Lutheran General Children’s Hospital for advanced care. Beyond our many years of experience and Level III services—a designation by the state of Illinois reserved for the most sophisticated medical facilities—two important factors set us apart from other NICUs:

Comprehensive, Continuous Care
A Full Spectrum of Pediatric Subspecialties

Our Philosophy
Our first concern is for the health and welfare of our young patients. But, we are also committed to providing your family with the resources, information and assistance you need. A family’s love is an important part of a newborn’s life. We respect it and encourage it.

It's important for your baby to hear your voice and feel your touch. We want you to be involved in the day-to-day activities that promote bonding, even during this difficult time.

For the comfort of families, we provide:

• private consultation rooms
• breastfeeding room
• family lounge with a restroom, shower, telephone and television

Compassionate Staff
Each infant benefits from a team of specialists led by a neonatologist—a physician with expertise in caring for premature and critically ill newborns. A physician is on duty in the NICU 24 hours a day. Specially trained nurses provide round-the-clock bedside care and also serve as an important resource to parents.

Additionally, pediatric subspecialists are available for consultation and treatment through Lutheran General Children’s Hospital.

Our Facilities
The NICU is a state-of-the-art facility. Completely renovated and updated in 1999, it is a model healing environment designed and equipped to meet the unique needs of high-risk babies.

There are 43 beds in the unit including two high-tech rooms. Each baby area is equipped with its own set of monitors, energy sources, medical and ventilation equipment and a bedside computer system for automated physician access to all medical records and reports.

Visiting the Nursery
Even though your baby’s medical needs require that he or she be cared for in the NICU, you are still the most important person in your baby’s life. Your baby knows your voice and needs your touch. We encourage parents to talk to, touch and participate in the care of their baby as much as the medical condition will allow. Parents may visit virtually any time of day or night.

Click on one of the links below to learn more:

Pediatric Rehabilitation and Audiology Services
Children’s Health Resource Center
Social Worker