Babies may be admitted to the NICU when they are born prematurely or need extra care or observation may be admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at either Sisters of Charity Hospital or Mercy Hospital of Buffalo. These NICUs provide compassionate, expert care for both mom and baby, under the same roof, in a matter of minutes, resulting in the best outcomes possible.
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A physical therapist works with premature babies who are 28 weeks and older, focusing on positioning, range of motion exercises, massage and skin care.
Placing your baby in the fetal position can improve his or her development and prevent deformities. It also comforts your baby.
Our therapists use exercises to increase circulation, stimulate bone growth and develop muscle tone in your baby.
This is a form of positive touch that contributes to your baby’s growth and makes him or her more accepting of touch, while enhancing nervous system development and the parent-child bond.
Your baby’s skin condition will be checked regularly and specialized treatment will be provided, if needed.
An occupational therapist works with premature babies who are 32 weeks and older, focusing on feeding, massage and parent education.
Because very young babies do not yet have the ability to suck, swallow and breathe during feeding, they’re often fed using nasal or oral tubes.
Your baby’s therapist will teach you how to hold, handle and comfort your baby, as well as teach you how to feed your baby and a bathing technique known as swaddle bathing. You’ll also learn how to understand the cues your baby uses to communicate.
Our NICU Cuddler Program supports the development and growth of premature babies by providing advanced volunteer “cuddlers” who interact with premature babies during times when their parents can’t be with them at the hospital.
The NICU at Sisters is designed to provide care for up to 40 infants through a mix of private rooms, rooms designed for twins & triplets and special care nursery for short term stays.
Mercy Hospital of Buffalo has a Level II NICU, for babies who are born after 32 weeks gestation or who are recovering from more serious conditions.
