What to Expect in the NICU

The Wasie NICU at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is a nationally-recognized Level IV facility for critically ill newborns that require complex medical and surgical care. We are the largest NICU in Broward County and one of eleven Regional Perinatal Intensive Care Centers (RPICC) in Florida. Some of our NICU babies stay for a few days, while other babies require six months or more of around-the-clock neonatal care. No matter how long your baby is with us in the NICU, our dedicated team of NICU specialists are committed to providing exceptional multidisciplinary care.

Surprise NICU Visit

While some of our expectant parents know their baby will need NICU care after their birth, it can also be a surprise. Complications during delivery or your baby unexpectedly requiring urgent care following delivery can be a shock to new parents. Our three Memorial Healthcare locations offer specialized NICU care, so you can rest assured that your baby is receiving around-the-clock medical attention as soon as they are born.

Partner NICUs

Memorial Miramar and Memorial West provide comprehensive Level III NICU services if your baby arrives prematurely or needs extra medical attention following delivery. As Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital partner NICUs, our team can seamlessly transfer your baby to the main campus Level IV NICU if they require a higher level of care or subspeciality evaluation.

Family and Visitors

Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is built on the foundation of patient and family-centered care. We recognize that “family” has many meanings – and we honor all of them. Our NICU care team is here to support your family in any way possible during this uncertain time.

Parents or caregivers are a vital part of your baby’s NICU journey and are welcome to visit the NICU 24 hours a day. We encourage you to be at your baby’s bedside as much as possible, but we know that is not always possible. To help support you we have a NICVIEW® camera set up for you to log on and see your baby from any device. In addition, you are welcome to call the NICU directly at 954-265-4270 at any time and our unit secretary will connect you with your baby’s nurse for an update.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, our visiting policy has changed for the safety of our babies. At this time, we are limiting visitors to two caregivers, with one caregiver at a time at the bedside. You will need to provide our security team with the names of the caregivers. They will be the only visitors allowed into the NICU.

NICU Electronics Etiquette

Upon entry into the NICU, please clean your cell phone and any other electronic devices to help keep your baby safe from germs. We also request that you re-disinfect your phone after you take pictures or videos of your baby. Always wash your hands after using your phone or electronic device, and please refrain from using your device while holding your baby.

Our NICUs promote a quiet atmosphere of healing, so if you need to make a phone call, please step into the family waiting area before using your phone. We appreciate your cooperation and so do your fellow NICU families.

Guide to Navigating the NICU

When your baby is admitted to the NICU, our team will give you a Family Resource Manual full of information on where to park, places to eat and more. Our three NICU locations offer various meal and coffee options for you and your loved ones. Breastfeeding NICU moms are invited to order complimentary breastfeeding snack trays and meals to help you boost your breastmilk supply.