Mrs. Alonzo G. Decker Jr.

• Provides care for neonates from birth to discharge
• Services are provided 24 hours a day, seven days a week
• Care provided by neonatologists, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, occupational and physical therapists, massage therapists and dieticians
• Glossary of Terms for family of NICU patients 
• Questions & Answers 

Watch “Having Faith” The story of a St. Joseph NICU patient

The Mrs. Alonzo G. Decker Jr. Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is a newly designed unit tailored to benefit our smallest patients and their families. The Level IIIB NICU recently underwent a $4 million renovation and expansion which gives each patient an individual space that can be personalized by family members.

Becoming the parent of a newborn admitted to the NICU can be overwhelming. NICU staff members are here to provide a positive and caring experience should your newborn need intensive care treatment.

For the Safety of Your Baby
Access to the NICU is restricted to those issued a unique NICU badge. This badge can only be obtained after proper identification is left with the hospital information desk. The badge allows you access to the Middendorf Family Room (the anteroom to the NICU). As a further security measure, the entrance to the NICU proper is controlled by the staff from inside the NICU.

Free Parking Badge for NICU Parents
Free parking passes are issued to families with infants whose stay in the NICU exceeds four days.

Pumping Room
The NICU has a hospital grade breast pump for nursing mothers to use while at St. Joseph. The pumping room is across the hall from the NICU family room entrance and is combination locked.

For additional help with pumping and breast feeding issues, a lactation consultant can be contacted by calling the St. Joseph Medical Center “WarmLine” at 410-337-3994.

Middendorf Family Room
The family waiting room is available for NICU family members waiting to see their baby. Please note that during cold and flu season (usually October 1 to April 1), the family room is closed to children under the age of 12.

Media Room
The media room, adjacent to the family room, offers parents a place to read, review and research information related to their infant’s condition. Books, educational materials and videos related to baby health and care may be used or borrowed. A computer with internet access is also available for parental use. Extended family members may view your baby through our closed circuit camera system after parental permission is granted.

Dresher Parent Room
The Dresher Parent Room provides a private space for doctor/family consultations. It may also be used by mothers and fathers preparing for discharge, or by a family whose infant is gravely ill. This room is equipped with a Murphy bed and has access to a private bathroom and shower.