NICU
The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) provides critical care to newborns who are ill or premature. Many factors may lead to a newborn being admitted to the NICU, including low birth weight or complications during delivery. The NICU staff works closely with parents to develop a treatment plan for their newborn.
Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Northwest Houston
We know it can be overwhelming when your newborn requires additional care. But, together, we get them where they need to be.
HCA Houston Healthcare Tomball cares for your sick or pre-term newborn in our Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Located in our Women's Center, the 11-bed NICU provides intermediate care for infants born at less than 32 weeks gestation, with a low birth weight, after delivery difficulties or showing signs of a medical problem.
Our neonatal intensive care services
Our Women's Center has dedicated NICU specialists, including 24/7 board-certified neonatologists, neonatal nurses and support staff.
What to expect from our NICU
Babies that need to be in the NICU are usually admitted within 24 hours after birth. The length of time they spend with us will ultimately depend on the severity of their condition. In the NICU, we are able to monitor heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure and temperature. Babies can also be fed with your pumped breastmilk or with formula through a feeding tube.
What cannot be understated is how important you are to your baby’s care team. As the parents, you play a major role in NICU care, and we encourage families to hold, talk to and visit the baby in the NICU as often as the baby's condition allows. Skin-to-skin contact between baby and parent is highly encouraged.
While your child is in our care, we provide the following support and services:
- Breastfeeding support
- Family–centered unit
- Neonatal transport team
- Parental support
- Postpartum care and resources
- Skin–to–skin care and support
If an even higher level of care is needed, our NICU team is also able to facilitate transports through HCA Houston AirLife to a Level IV NICU.
If you are considering delivering at HCA Houston Tomball, we invite you to tour our women's services facility or find an OB/GYN. In addition, we offer women's health services related to breast health and gynecology.