Neonatal Care
At Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, we provide gold-standard, nationally ranked neonatal care. Our neonatologists treat the full range of newborn conditions and complications, not just prematurity, with a family-centered, compassionate approach.
U.S. News & World Report recognizes us among the top children's hospitals in the country for Neonatology.
Neonatal Care: Why Choose Us
We offer:
- Improved outcomes: Our neonatology team combines clinical excellence and research excellence to improve care. Our experts study the best ways to manage possible complications, and our excellent outcomes reflect this research. We have some of the lowest rates of infection and complications for babies who have breathing tubes.
- Treatment for complex conditions: Our neonatologists collaborate with other disciplines to treat the most complex conditions. This multidisciplinary care involves coordination with specialists in pulmonology, neurocritical care, occupational therapy and the full range of medical and surgical specialties.
- Increased comfort and pain relief: The neonatal care team works closely with the Comfort and Palliative Care team. Palliative care specialists can optimize comfort and pain management for babies, even when not related to end-of-life. For example, palliative care helps babies with severe chronic lung disease transition smoothly to home ventilation.
Multidisciplinary Neonatology Care
You will find our experts in the:
Fetal-Maternal Center
At the Fetal-Maternal Center, women with high-risk pregnancies receive expert prenatal care. Our center is one of the most comprehensive fetal-maternal medicine programs in the country. Patients who come to us have access to every subspecialist they may need, including fetal surgeons, fetal cardiologists and more. Find out more about the Fetal-Maternal Center.
Newborn and Infant Critical Care Unit (NICCU)
Our NICCU offers advanced treatments in neonatal intensive care. Our program has achieved Level IV status — the highest designation neonatal intensive care units can attain. We treat a full range of neonatal conditions and prioritize your family’s comfort. Discover more about the Newborn and Infant Critical Care Unit (NICCU).
Newborn Follow-up Program
Developmental-behavioral pediatricians in the Newborn Follow-up Program care for babies who have an increased risk of developmental problems. Our specialists lead one of the highest-volume newborn follow-up programs in the region. We use advanced approaches that lead to exceptional outcomes. Learn more about the high-risk Newborn Follow-up Program.
What Is a Neonatologist?
A neonatologist is a doctor with specific training in caring for newborns. Neonatologists specialize in handling complex and high-risk situations.
Neonatologists have extensive training, including:
- Four years of medical school
- Three years of residency in general pediatrics
- Three years of training in neonatal intensive care
Why Does My Baby Need a Neonatologist?
Babies may need a neonatologist if they have congenital (present at birth) disorders or serious birth complications. Neonatologists work with many other doctors to coordinate subspecialty care and treatment plans.
Neonatologists provide and coordinate care for many conditions, including:
- Congenital anomalies
- Critical infections in newborns
- Genetic disorders
- Prematurity
- Respiratory failure
Support From Advanced Practice Providers
Advanced practice providers (APPs) may include nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants (PAs) or neonatal hospitalists. APPs have extensive training, including master’s degrees and specialization in neonatal care.
APPs coordinate with your baby’s neonatologist to:
- Develop treatment plans
- Offer diagnoses
- Perform certain procedures
- Write prescriptions
