Questions & Answers

Newborn babies are not just small adults. Sometimes babies are born before their bodies are ready to leave the womb. Important organs such as the heart, lungs, stomach, and skin may not be mature enough to function without special help.

Who will care for my baby in the NICU?
While in the NICU, your baby will be under the care of neonatologists (Dr. Michael Langbaum, Dr. Marilyn Bennett and Dr. Robert Blake). Working closely with the doctors will be neonatal nurse practitioners and the NICU nurses. Everyone providing care for you baby has been trained in the care and treatment of sick and premature babies.

What is a Neonatologist?
Neonatologists are physicians specifically trained to handle the most complex and high-risk situations. If your  newborn is premature or has a serious illness, injury, or birth defect, a neonatologist may assist at the time of delivery and in the subsequent care of your newborn. Neonatologists generally provide the following care:

• Diagnose and treat newborns with conditions such as breathing disorders, infections, and birth defects
• Coordinate care and medically manage infants born prematurely, who are critically ill, or in need of surgery
• Ensure that critically ill newborns receive the proper nutrition for healing and growth
• Provide care to the newborn at a cesarean or other delivery during which medical problems arise that may
  compromise the infant’s immediate health and require medical intervention in the delivery room
• Stabilize and treat newborns with any life-threatening medical problems
• Consult with obstetricians, pediatricians and family physicians about conditions affecting newborn infants
  Neonatologists work mainly in special care nurseries or newborn intensive care units in hospitals. St. Joseph’s
  neonatology team will coordinate follow-up care with your baby’s pediatrician after s/he is discharged.

What if I have not chosen a pediatrician?
St. Joseph can help you with choosing a pediatrician for your newborn. The Doctors Directory (410-337-1337) can help you find a pediatrician in your area that accepts your insurance. You may also discuss this with the neonatology staff.

My baby was born before I was able to take my breastfeeding and baby care classes. Can I still attend these
classes?
Yes, please call our Family Education Center at 410-337-1880 to inquire and register for the classes.

Does my baby have pain?
Unfortunately babies do experience pain, but we provide appropriate comfort measures and pain management. We use a diagnostic tool known as N-PASS to help assess a baby’s level of pain.