Level III NICU
Compassionate, specialized care for our littlest patients.
Expert neonatal intensive care, right here at home.
For babies who are born prematurely or need specialized medical treatment, East Alabama Medical Center (EAMC) offers a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Since 2021, our NICU has offered specialized neonatal care close to home, allowing families to remain near their support systems.
About the NICU at East Alabama Medical Center (EAMC)
The Level III NICU at EAMC is outfitted with state-of-the-art medical equipment to help promote growth and development in the newborns we care for.
Babies in the NICU are treated by neonatologists who have dedicated education, training and experience to provide specialized care for newborns who require a NICU stay. In addition, infants in the unit are supported by a dedicated team of nurses, respiratory therapists and pharmacists.
Who is treated in the NICU
Babies are treated in the NICU if they are born prematurely (34 weeks or less) or have critical illnesses that require additional medical supervision.
What does Level III care mean for newborns and parents?
For babies and families, receiving care within the Level III NICU at EAMC means around-the-clock care from specially trained medical experts.
This specialized care includes comprehensive support, advanced technology and resources designed to meet each baby’s individual needs.
- Comprehensive care for infants born early or with critical illnesses, including developmental therapy, feeding support, and access to a dedicated milk lab.
- Full range of respiratory support including 24-hour ventilation, and treatment from a respiratory therapist dedicated to serving NICU patients.
- Advanced non-surgical treatment, including diagnostic imaging capabilities and a dedicated in-unit pharmacy.
- Technology that promotes development such as specialty lighting in each room that supports healthy eye development and circadian rhythms.
What parents can expect during a NICU stay
We understand that a NICU stay can be challenging and recognize how important it is for parents to be present. Parents of infants who receive care in the NICU may remain with their child 24/7 to monitor progress, provide support and bond with their new baby.
Each room within the unit is furnished to help make your stay as comfortable as possible while your baby receives treatment.
Room amenities include:
- Pull-out couch
- Medical-grade rockers
- Hospital-grade breast pumps
In addition, the NICU offers a room specially designed for families with twins receiving treatment. The twin room consists of two adjoining patient rooms that are separated with sliding doors, allowing families with twins to visit both babies at the same time.
Vermont Oxford Network (VON)
East Alabama Medical Center is a member of Vermont Oxford Network (VON), a worldwide community dedicated to improving the quality, safety, and value of care for newborn infants and families. VON, a nonprofit collaboration, facilitates the world’s largest databases of practices and outcomes for neonatal care and supports data-driven quality improvement, education, and research. Through participation in a VON database, East Alabama Health receives benchmarking reports to identify local quality improvement initiatives with the goal of providing ever-improving care for infants and families.
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