Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

An overview of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Providence Health Care.

Overview

The St. Paul’s Hospital Pregnancy, Birthing and Newborn Centre is home to a level 2A Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).  That means we can support babies born at 32 weeks or later or babies who require close monitoring or medical intervention after birth.

Babies who require more acute medical support are stabilized at St. Paul’s Hospital and then transferred to a higher-level care NICU by the BC Infant Transport Team. We collaborate with hospitals around the province to prioritize keeping families together and to provide the best care to high-risk pregnant people and their infants.

What to expect

The NICU has nine cribs in an open nursery format. Each baby has a designated family zone within the large room.

Your baby will likely be surrounded by several pieces of equipment. It might be scary to see wires and tubes attached to your baby. Rest assured, all these tools have an important role to play in ensuring your baby grows and thrives. Some of the most common pieces of equipment are:

  • A cardio-respiratory monitor to track heart rate and breathing rate
  • An oximeter to monitor how much oxygen is in the blood. It is usually attached to the foot or hand.
  • An incubator, an enclosed Plexiglas bed that provides a regulated environment.
  • A ventilator, a machine with a face mask attached that helps your baby breathe.
  • A feeding tube in your baby’s nose to send food right to their stomach until they can safely breast or bottle feed.
  • An intravenous (IV) catheter inserted in a vein which is used to deliver fluid or medicine directly to your baby’s bloodstream.

Support for Indigenous Peoples

The Indigenous Wellness Liaison Team is here to support your health journey. Team members offer cultural support and healthcare advocacy. Learn more below or call them at 604-682-2344,62937 or email IWL@providencehealth.bc.ca.

  • Indigenous wellness services

    The Indigenous Wellness Team at Providence is available to support Indigenous patients and their families. We are here to coordinate culturally safe wellness supports and services.

We felt so well supported by the staff in the NICU. They gave us so much information about how to care for our baby and what to expect when we get home. Everyone was tremendous in their compassion and their skill.

Contact

  • Having a baby

    Everything you need to know about the Pregnancy, Birthing and Newborn Centre at St. Paul's Hospital.

Meet the team

 The NICU has a team of specialists to care for your baby. Led by a pediatrician and nurses trained in neonatal care, your baby’s care team may also include respiratory therapists, lactation consultants and social workers. As St. Paul’s Hospital is a teaching hospital, medical students and residents might also be involved in your baby’s care.

You are an integral member of your baby’s care team. As a partner in care, you will be involved in decisions throughout your baby’s stay. You are encouraged to provide hands-on care, for example, change your baby’s diapers, check their temperature and take them in and out of their crib.

Your pediatrician will determine when your baby is ready to leave the NICU, and other members of the care team will help prepare you to take your baby home. They will organize follow-up visits or community care after discharge as needed.