Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

Compassionate NICU Care

It is challenging when your newborn requires specialized care in a neonatal intensive care unit or NICU. Whether due to a premature birth, low birth weight, or complex medical conditions, you and your family will receive expert, compassionate care for your baby with CHRISTUS. Your care team will consist of board-certified neonatologists and highly trained staff. CHRISTUS Health offers Level II, Level III, and Level IV NICUs to meet the unique needs of every baby and family.

Our NICU units provide specialized care around the clock every day of the year. Located in many of our hospitals, our NICU services ensure you can stay close to your baby during this critical time.

NICU Levels

  • Level II: For babies born at or after 32 weeks or those recovering from medical conditions.
  • Level III: For babies born before 32 weeks or with a more serious illness, offering full respiratory support and critical care.
  • Level IV: The highest level of care for the most complex medical and surgical needs with advanced life support techniques.

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Family Centered NICU Services

A pediatrician checks on a baby in the nursery
Neonatal and Pediatric Transport 

If your baby requires more advanced or specialized care, you have direct access to a highly trained emergency transport team--providing your baby with the highest level of NICU care.

Learn more about our transport services

A young boy smiles at his new baby sibling Advanced Life Support 

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, or ECMO, is available for critically ill infants and children with severe lung or heart problems, or certain birth anomalies.

Learn about this treatment at CHRISTUS

A premature baby is sleeping in the NICU NicView - Staying Connected 

Our NicView camera system provides 24/7 real-time video streaming of your baby through a secure online portal. 

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Children's NICU

CHRISTUS Children's NICU

The Level IV NICU at CHRISTUS Children's in San Antonio offers advanced care for newborns and their families, especially babies born prematurely or with special medical conditions.

Learn more

Certified Child Life Specialists

Siblings looking down at their new baby brother

When you have a baby in the NICU, it affects the whole family. Certified CHRISTUS child life specialists are here to support families with compassionate care tailored to their needs. Through therapeutic play, education, and preparation, our team helps children and families navigate the NICU experience with confidence and understanding. By fostering emotional well-being and providing coping strategies, we empower families to focus on bonding with their baby and promoting healing together.

Our Child Life Program Includes:

  • Support and education for siblings of a newborn hospitalized in the NICU.
  • Preparation for medical procedures or treatment.
  • Coping strategies to help reduce anxiety and enhance cooperation with the healthcare team.
  • Support and distraction during medical procedures.