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You and your baby will receive the highest level of care available in Wisconsin in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), just in case your baby is born with a complex medical problem or requires surgery.
A promise of expert care
Mothers and babies admitted to the 26-bed NICU at American Family Children’s Hospital come from near and far. Whether you live hours away or in the Madison Area, you and your baby will receive the most attentive expert care in the region from our experts in neonatology, pediatric surgery and every pediatric specialty. In many cases, our pediatric/neonatal critical care transport team (ground and air) brings babies to the NICU because every minute is precious.
Information for Physicians
If you need transport arranged for a baby from your hospital to the Level IV or Level III NICU in Madison, or need to consult with a UW Health neonatologist or maternal-fetal medicine specialist, call the Access Center at (608) 263-3260 or (800) 472-0111 anytime day or night.
The Level IV designation means our NICU has the most advanced team of experts and equipment available to provide the best chance for healing and maximum comfort for the sickest babies and their families during a stressful time. American Family Children’s Hospital is home to one of just two Level IV NICUs in Wisconsin. We also partner closely with UnityPoint Health – Meriter’s Level III NICU, located just a few miles down the road in Madison.
Take a virtual tour of our NICU
Virtual visiting
Whereby mothers who still are in their birthing hospital can see their baby on a screen.
Milk lab
A “milk lab” where dedicated milk technicians mix, store and maintain milk for each baby to ensure optimal growth. Milk sources include mother’s breast milk, donated breast milk and formula.
Healing environment
A healing environment featuring special design features to minimize sounds, as well as flexible lighting options and soothing colors to promote healing and protect your baby’s developing brain.
What types of babies do we care for?
Our Level IV NICU team cares for babies who:
Require surgery, including abdominal, genitourinary, head and neck, thoracic, heart and vascular or musculoskeletal
Have suffered a brain injury or stroke
Have seizures or other neurologic disorders
Require diagnostic imaging, such as an MRI
Were born prematurely
Have congenital heart disease
Require cardiac catheterization
Have metabolic or genetic disorders
Treatments and services
Our Level IV NICU provides the highest level of care for babies, including these treatments and services:
Neonatal neuro critical care program
High-frequency and NAVA ventilation
Access to maternal-fetal specialist doctors 24/7
Neonatal surgery
Nitric Oxide
Surfactant replacement therapy
Whole body cooling to treat hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE)
Nasogastric bridle tube insertion for going-home feeds
A premature baby is more susceptible to complications because their systems and essential organs are not fully developed. This is especially true when talking about a baby’s brain and nervous system. Fortunately, recent advancements in neurological care of preemies have made it possible to diagnose and treat neurological conditions in our neuro NICU.
Home to one of just two Level IV NICUs in Wisconsin, American Family Children’s Hospital offers a team of neonatal neurological experts and cutting-edge technologies needed to monitor your baby’s brain from the moment any trouble is suspected. If your baby is transferred to our NICU, you’ll know they’ll have access to the highest level of neonatal neurological care. We will do everything possible to ensure the best possible outcome for your baby.
Some of the more common neurological conditions we treat are:
Central nervous system infections
Cerebrovascular conditions – bleeding, stroke, abnormal blood vessel development
Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy — an injury that occurs when the brain doesn't receive enough oxygen or blood flow; this can happen before, during, or shortly after birth
Hydrocephalus — a buildup of fluid in the brain that can cause developmental delays and other serious problems
Metabolic disorders of the newborn – caused by inability of the body to process certain substances
Muscle and nerve disorders – spinal muscular atrophy, myopathies, neuromuscular junction disorders, neuropathies
Neonatal seizures
Structural abnormalities of the brain or spine – brain malformation, spinal anomalies, myelomeningocele
Minimal radiation
Babies suspected of having a neurological issue typically have imaging procedures performed to help pinpoint the problem. Since its opening, American Family Children’s Hospital has taken extraordinary steps to minimize the amount of radiation exposure for our patients. Whenever it is appropriate, MRI is the diagnostic method of choice because it does not involve the use of radiation.
Experts in every field
Caring for a baby with a neurological issue typically involves a team of experts from several pediatric specialties. In our NICU, your baby will have access to UW Health neonatal experts in:
Pediatric neuroradiology
24/7 continuous EEG monitoring
EEG, which stands for electroencephalography, is a non-invasive way to monitor electrical activity in your baby’s brain. This allows us to diagnose events that otherwise might not be recognized, such as seizures or loss of oxygen.
State-of-the-art brain MRI
MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, allows doctors to see if a baby has any brain abnormalities or injuries. Because MRI does not involve the use of radiation, this imaging method is used whenever possible.
Therapeutic hypothermia
This treatment, also known as “cooling,” is most frequently used to protect a baby’s developing brain following a loss of oxygen, a condition known as hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. By preventing further damage, this treatment has significantly improved survival rates and long-term neurological outcomes for babies.
EMG (electromyography)
This is a diagnostic procedure that helps doctors diagnose nerve and muscular disorders in babies, such as muscular dystrophy, nemaline myopathy and others.
Genomics and pathology services
We offer a variety of advanced genetic tests including whole exome sequencing, which can identify genetic abnormalities.
Clinical trials
We actively participate in a range of cutting-edge clinical trials focused on complexities related to various infant-specific neurological conditions.
Helpful advice from other parents
These parents who spent time in the NICU share their stories and tips:
American Family Children's Hospital Parking
1675 Highland Ave. /Madison, WI
