NICU

Caring for Newborns with Neonatology Services at Mary Washington Healthcare

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Mary Washington Healthcare proudly collaborates with Children's National Hospital of Washington, D.C., one of the top 10 children's hospitals in the country and best in the Mid-Atlantic region for neonatology by U.S. News & World Report Best Children’s Hospital Survey. The skilled physicians from Children's National are dedicated to delivering personalized care to our most delicate patients daily. Families can take comfort in the fact that Mary Washington Healthcare boasts two dedicated centers tailored to the needs of our tiniest patients. This ensures that new mothers can give birth in a familiar environment, close to loved ones and friends.

The Wilson NICU is open! Read, watch, and hear more about the project.

Mary Washington Hospital (MWH) houses the most experienced Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in the region.

With 20 private beds and a 5-bed critical care pod, the newly-expanded Joe and Mary Wilson Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is anticipated to attend to more than 350 babies annually, providing vital support to newborns as tiny as one pound. Neonatology, a specialized branch of pediatrics, focuses on the medical care of newborns with conditions such as prematurity, low birth weight, birth defects, breathing difficulties, infections, and birth-related challenges.

The Wilson NICU is under the care of board-certified neonatologists from Children’s National Hospital, a top-ranking facility recognized as No. 1 in neonatology in the Mid-Atlantic region by U.S. News & World Report. Led by Dr. Aslan Arshad, our dedicated team of Children's National neonatologists is available on-site 24/7 to provide unwavering support. This partnership extends beyond medical care, connecting MWH with pediatric subspecialties and fostering collaborative research opportunities.

Complementing our neonatologists, we have a highly specialized team that includes neonatal nurse practitioners, registered nurses, respiratory therapists, physical and occupational therapists, case managers, dietitians, and lactation consultants. The Wilson NICU offers world-class care to mothers and their babies in our community, ensuring families are close to home and their support networks.

A “Level III NICU designation” means we...

Provide continuous life support and comprehensive care for infants born at less than 32 weeks gestation and weighing less than 3.3 pounds
Provide mechanical ventilation for babies who cannot breathe on their own
Monitor and treat retinopathy of prematurity, an eye condition that can lead to blindness
Perform minor surgical procedures
Are staffed with neonatologists, respiratory therapists, registered nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists, lactation consultants, social workers, chaplains, and more

Advanced Care in Stafford Hospital's Level II NICU

At Stafford Hospital, we have a Level II NICU with six beds, fully equipped with state-of-the-art neonatal technology. This unit is designed to provide specialized care for infants born at 32 weeks or later, weighing a minimum of 3.3 pounds (1500 grams).

Our NICU team excels at caring for newborns who require additional medical attention without necessitating critical care. This encompasses infants born a few weeks before their due date and those facing challenges like intrauterine growth restriction, lower birth weight, feeding difficulties, mild breathing issues, and infections.

To ensure comprehensive care, we have a dedicated Neonatal Transport Team ready to transfer babies requiring advanced care to either the Level III NICU at Mary Washington Hospital or the Level IV NICU at Children’s National.

Staffed by board-certified physicians from Children's National, our Level II NICU at Stafford is supported by the team of Children’s National pediatric hospitalists, led by medical director Dr. Lana Ismail. This team is accessible on-site round the clock. Additionally, our Stafford team comprises registered nurses, respiratory therapists, and lactation consultants with specialized training in newborn care.

Our specially trained neonatal nurses attend high-risk deliveries and cesarean sections and are available for any delivery complication.

Supporting Breastfeeding in the NICU

Our certified lactation consultants are readily available to offer essential breastfeeding assistance for both you and your premature or ill newborn. This empowers you to play a pivotal role in your baby's healthcare during a critical period. Recognizing the immense value of mother's milk for high-risk infants, you have the unique ability to provide something vital for your baby that no one else can. It's noteworthy that numerous neonatologists and NICU team members now advocate for mothers to supply their own milk for high-risk infants, regardless of their future breastfeeding plans.

Visitation in the NICU

To ensure the safety and comfort of our tiniest patients, access to the NICU is carefully managed. Here’s what families and visitors need to know:

Access & Security

Entry to the NICU is controlled—please use the intercom outside the unit to request access.
Parents must wear matching ID bands. A second band holder must be chosen for the baby’s entire stay.

Parent Visitation

Parents are welcome to visit anytime.
Overnight stays: One parent may stay overnight in each room. For twins, one parent per room is allowed.
Please do not bring pillows or blankets from home—the hospital will provide all linens.

During Procedures

Visitors may be asked to step out briefly. A parent lounge is available for your comfort.

Guest Visitors

Parents may designate up to two approved guests (age 18+ with ID). A parent must accompany them.
Only three people are allowed at the bedside at one time.

5-Bed Ward at MWH

Only two visitors are allowed in the 5-bed ward at a time.

First Two Hours

During the baby’s first two hours in the NICU, only parents may visit.

Health & Hygiene

Visitors must be free of illness. Anyone with a fever (100.4°F or higher), cough, or other symptoms must wait 48 hours after symptoms resolve before visiting.
All visitors must wash hands with soap and water for two minutes upon entering the unit.