The 35-bed Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in St. John's Children's Hospital provides care to nearly 450
premature and seriously ill newborns each year from across south-central Illinois. The NICU also serves
Springfield's Perinatal Region.
Specially trained nurses, respiratory therapists, rehabilitation specialists, social services workers,
pharmacists, nutritionists and chaplains make up the NICU team. At least one neonatologist is on duty
24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Since breastfeeding
provides newborns with the best nutrients possible, NICU nursing staff actively
supports breastfeeding women.
