Support for NICU parents

We understand how stressful it can be for parents and families whose baby is in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Being a NICU parent is often unexpected, and it is important to acknowledge this and seek additional support as needed.

We hope the following information will support you during your baby's stay.

Visiting guidelines

We recognise our NICU parents should be involved in every aspect of their baby’s care.

The following visiting guidelines ensure the safety of all NICU babies.

  • There are no visiting restrictions on who can visit the unit – as parents, you know which of your friends and family can offer you the most support. Parents, grandparents and siblings may visit 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All other visitors only are restricted to between 2pm and 7pm.
  • Only two visitors may visit at a time and one of these visitors must be a parent.
  • Siblings can visit with parents at the bedside and must be fully supervised.
  • Parents are asked to greet their visitors at the entrance to the Neonatal Unit.
  • Visitors with a cough, cold, viral illness, infectious illness or skin rash must not enter the unit.
  • Please ensure mobile phones are on vibrate/silent at all times. You may use your mobile phone at the bedside, but please be mindful of other nearby babies and families and keep the noise low.
  • After hours, a security officer will escort you from the main entrance to the unit due to restricted access across the hospital at night. Entry is via an intercom system located at the entry to the unit. Please state your name and who you are visiting.
  • The nurse unit manager and the head of service/consultant can restrict ward visiting if necessary.

Caring for you after birth

The first 3 months after having a baby are often known as the ‘fourth trimester, and it is a time of great physical and emotional change as your body works to return to its pre-pregnant state.It is important to and give yourself space and time to heal so you can look after yourself and your baby.

Find information on:

Hospital facilities

Find:

More information

Feeding

Support for new parents

Caring for your newborn

Contact us

Please phone the Fiona Stanley Hospital Helpdesk on 6152 2222 and ask for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Find out more

Learn more about you and your baby's neonatal journey.

 

Last Updated: 20/11/2024