The Hendricks Regional Health Childbirth Center offers a Special Care Nursery for babies who need medical monitoring and specialized treatment after they are born. Staff care for infants born as early as 33 weeks and for those experiencing respiratory distress, an infection or other medical problems at birth. Babies in the Special Care Nursery may need:

• An incubator or other support to maintain their body temperature
• Feeding assistance
• Monitoring for breathing problems
• Special medications

Our Childbirth Center nurses are highly trained and experienced in providing advanced care for all newborns and are supported by a team of pediatric hospitalists. All staff benefit from ongoing skills training including neonatal resuscitation. Special Care Nursery nurses receive additional hands-on experience in one of the state's largest Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU). As a team, labor and delivery nurses boast an average tenure of nearly nine years at Hendricks Regional Health.

Use this link to learn more about our Special Care Nursery, including how we secure the area with electronic access control.

Common Conditions Affecting Newborns

Fever and Infections
Fever and infections in a newborn can be serious. Learn about RSV, thrush, cytomegalovirus, group B streptococcus, and HIV.

Low Birthweight
The primary cause of low birthweight is premature birth. Being born early means a baby has less time in the mother's uterus to grow and gain weight.

Prematurity
Other terms often used for prematurity are preterm and "preemie." Many premature babies also weigh less than 5.5 pounds and may be referred to as low birthweight.

Respiratory Disorders
Premature infants often have respiratory difficulties. Some are caused by underdeveloped lungs.

Weight and Growth Problems
Babies in this category include those born prematurely, as well as those born past the normal length of pregnancy.