Nurturing, Family-Centered Care
Constructed in 2020 as part of the Sands-Constellation Center for Critical Care at Rochester General Hospital, our Twig NICU combines the comforts of home with state-of-the-art technology. This comfortable environment and our compassionate, expert providers work hand-in-hand to ensure the best possible care for our babies in need of intensive care.
About the Twig NICU
The Twig NICU includes 14 private rooms, two “twin rooms” for parents of multiples, as well as more space and amenities for babies and families. Thoughtfully designed with families in mind, each room features abundant natural light, a couch, a bed, and desk space to make it easier and more comfortable for parents to stay with their infants.
A Level II NICU
A neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is equipped to provide critical care to babies born ill or premature. If admitted, our specially trained staff will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan for your new addition(s).
As a Level II NICU, we offer babies and their families advanced newborn care. Sometimes called a special care nursery, we tend to babies born at 32 weeks+, those with jaundice or apnea, or those who are recovering after spending time in a Level III or Level IV NICU.
Additional specialty services we offer include:
- Lactation support
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
- Speech therapy
- Nutrition support
- Social work
If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to ask your care team members.
Supporting Families
In addition to caring for our littlest patients, we also provide care and support for their loved ones. We are a family-centered unit, and parent involvement in their child's care is encouraged and supported. To make it easier for parents to be with their child as much as possible during their stay, the Twig NICU has specially designated restroom/shower facilities for parents, an on-unit kitchen (including microwaves and refrigerator storage), readily available snacks and drinks, and comfortable sleeping accommodations for at least one parent in each suite.
Our Team
Our skilled team of neonatologists, pediatricians, nurses, and advanced practice providers are proud to deliver highly specialized care to our patients and their families. We are focused entirely on newborn babies who need intensive medical care, putting our advanced technology and specialty training to work, caring for your special bundle of joy.
Working together with parents, our specialists will create an individualized treatment plan for your newborn.
Neonatologists are pediatricians with extra training in caring for premature and sick babies. They have 3 years of specialized training–specifically, to treat newborns–beyond what is required for a general pediatrician. Our neonatologists supervise nurse practitioners and nurses who care for babies in the NICU. They are responsible for overseeing and directing the medical decisions regarding your baby.
Pediatricians are specially trained and focused on caring for children. They have completed a pediatric residency and provider medical care for children from birth to 18 years.
All nurses at the Twig NICU are skilled in assisting new parents, their newborns, and their families. In addition to being available at the bedside 24/7 and providing care, our experienced nursing staff will help you feel at ease and will be there for any questions that may arise during your stay.
Neonatal nurse practitioners (NNP) are advanced practice providers who have completed advanced training and education in caring for and treating newborns and their families. Many NNPs have a master’s degree in nursing and will work in collaboration with the neonatologist and/or attending physician.
Neonatal physician assistants (NPAs) are specialists who have earned a certificate or degree from an accredited school and passed a state licensing examination. While they have the same general background as other physician assistants, NPAs have also completed additional education and training in caring for and treating infants and their families.
Frequently Asked NICU Questions
Our expert providers are proud to offer attentive care to your baby around the clock. Below are some common questions we hear?please do not hesitate to ask your care team any other questions you may have.
We recognize the importance of family members bonding with their baby in the NICU; at the same time we must continue to put the safety of our patients, visitors, and staff first, which is why it is imperative visitors follow these guidelines. Please help us in keeping our littlest patients safe.
Please refer to the latest Visitor Guidelines for updated restrictions and screening policies. Those who fail to comply will be asked to leave the facility.
The Twig NICU is located inside the Sands-Constellation Center for Critical Care, on Rochester General Hospital's campus at 1425 Portland Avenue, Rochester, NY 14621. Directions to Rochester General
Most of the babies sent to the NICU are preterm (born before 37 weeks), have a low birth weight (less than 5.5 pounds), or have a health condition that requires special care like trouble breathing, heart problems, infections, or birth defects.
In 2020, one in every ten births in the United States was premature. Those at risk of needing the NICU’s specialized care include:
- Babies born at less than 37 weeks
- Babies weighing less than 5.5 pounds or more than 8 pounds, 13 ounces
- Birth defects
- Breech birth
- Fetal distress or birth asphyxia during delivery
- Infections (like herpes, group B strep, or chlamydia)
- Low blood sugar
- Need for extra oxygen, IV, or medicines
- Need for special procedures like a blood transfusion
- Respiratory distress
- Seizures
- Umbilical cord wrapped around your baby’s neck
Our team will assess your baby to ensure he or she needs to be admitted to the NICU.