Caring for Newborns with Neonatology Services at Mary Washington Healthcare
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.
Mary Washington Hospital (MWH) houses the most experienced Level III Neonatal
Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in the region.
With 20 beds, 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.
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