Navigating the NICU experience

Having a baby in the NICU can be frightening, but the highly trained Penn Medicine staff is here to help. Use the information on these pages to learn more about what you can expect while your baby is in NICU care and what internal and external resources are available to you from the moment of admission, throughout your baby’s stay, and even after discharge.

Welcome to the NICU

Congratulations on your new baby and welcome to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). We know having a baby in the NICU can be frightening and is frequently unexpected. Rest assured, the highly trained medical teams and support staff in each of our top-tier NICU facilities are ready to partner with you to ensure your baby receives the best care available and that you and your loved ones receive timely communication and have access to the resources you need to make this difficult experience as painless as possible.

Use the information on these pages to learn more about what you can expect while your baby is in the NICU and what resources are available to you—from both Penn Medicine and external sources—from the moment of admission, throughout your baby’s stay and even after discharge.

Call your NICU for updates

To get an update on your baby, call the NICU where your baby is admitted. When calling, please provide the baby's last name and the unique security code that was given to you upon admission to ensure privacy. Your baby's safety is our number one priority.

Request a meal voucher

Meal vouchers may be available upon request. If you would like a lunch or dinner meal, please ask a member of your baby’s care team for additional information.

Stay in touch digitally with AngelEye

AngelEye Health offers access to technology that lets you to see your child through a live video feed and receive text updates using any device with an internet connection.

View detailed information about AngelEye, including enrollment and use instructions.

Prepare for discharge

Preparing to take your baby home from the NICU can be both an exciting and an anxious time.

View helpful information about discharge procedures as well as links to valuable resources related to baby care.

Access community resources

The caring staff at each of our NICUs understands the mental toll and general strain a NICU stay can have on individuals and families.

View a helpful information on organizations and programs that offer help for NICU families close to home.

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