Caring for a newborn can be intimidating, especially if it’s your
first baby. That transition to parenthood is even more challenging when
your child is born early or has health issues. We have a fully equipped
neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) designated as a Level III and staffed
by experts in every role. A Level III facility:
Is for babies born prematurely or for babies born with a critical illness
Provides subspecialty newborn care, meaning we offer access to a full range
of pediatric medical subspecialties
Offers respiratory support and advanced imaging
Take the NICU Virtual Tour
Involving You in Your Child’s Care
Being a parent with a baby in the NICU is tough. It’s hard to bond
with your new baby when the little one must be cared for in the hospital.
You’re overwhelmed by emotions – sadness, anger, helplessness,
fear, even guilt. Please don’t hesitate to ask us for help. Our
nurses, social workers, chaplains, and neonatologists are available to
provide information and offer support.
As soon as your little one is well enough, you will get to hold them in
your arms. Our nurses will teach you how to change diapers, bathe, dress
and feed your baby. Even if you can’t hold your baby right away,
there are many things you can do that can help the baby, and make you
and your family feel better. Mom can provide breast milk and both parents
can talk and sing softly to the baby and gently touch or cradle them.
Some parents like to place pictured of family members in the crib. Siblings
may enjoy drawing a picture or bringing a baby blanket for their new brother
or sister. Your baby may not be able to wear clothes right away because
of IVs and other equipment. The nurse can tell you when your baby will
be ready for clothes but feel free to bring onesies, a nightgown, booties,
and hats to keep in the isolette drawer until your baby can be dressed.
Our NICU Staff
The Community Memorial NICU has the specially trained physicians and staff
and all the technology needed to ensure that your baby receives the highest
level of care.
Our NICU staff is experienced, specially trained, and has been working
together for a long time. They do all they can to make you feel welcome,
supportive, and confident in the care they are giving your newborn.
Neonatologists: Fellowship-trained in the medical care of premature and sick babies, these
physicians oversee your baby’s care. We have an expert neonatologist
on-call in the NICU, 24/7.
Registered Nurses (RNs): NICU nurses receive several months of intensive classroom and hands-on
training in the care of premature and sick babies. They will explain procedures
to you and teach you how to take care of your little one.
Respiratory Therapists (RTs): These medical technicians are trained to take care of any breathing equipment
your baby may need.
Utilization Review (UR) Nurse /Case Manager: If you are having insurance issues or need help qualifying for state funding,
our UR nurse is here to help.
Occupational Therapists (OTs): Trained to help you and your baby with developmental milestones, OTs provide
education in how to comfort your baby and care for his or her special
needs. An OT can also determine if your baby will need physical therapy
or early intervention after leaving the hospital.
Social Workers: If you need counseling or support during your stay or you don’t live
nearby and need help finding a place to stay near the hospital, our social
workers can help. If you’d like to talk to a social worker, ask
your nurse to connect you.
Unit Secretary: These non-medical employees answer the phones and help with the day-to-day
operations of the unit. If you have a question about anything related
to your baby's stay in the NICU, the unit secretary can point you in the
right direction.
Registered Dieticians: Our registered dieticians are healthcare professionals who specialize in
reproductive nutrition, cardiovascular nutrition and the general health
and wellness of your baby.
Cuddlers: Human touch nurtures babies and helps them thrive. Our volunteer cuddlers
are specially trained to give love and attention to the babies in this
unit. They sit and rock your infant when you can’t be here.
Added Safety for our Littlest Patients
Babies in the NICU are fragile and vulnerable to infection, and we do all
we can to ensure their comfort and safety. It’s critical that families
follow the policies in our NICU to keep our littlest patients safe.
Visitors: Visitation to our NICU is limited to banded individuals only. No children,
including siblings, are permitted to visit. During certain special circumstances,
we may post a “No Visitors” sign in front of the NICU. This
includes parents.
Hours: We allow visiting 24-hours per day.
Infection Prevention: Do not enter the unit if you have a contagious illness such as a cold,
flu, or other viral illness. If you think you may have been exposed to
chicken pox, measles, or mumps, do not enter without first checking with
the NICU staff. Do not enter the NICU if you have received the chicken
pox vaccine in the past fourteen days or the nasal flu vaccine in the
past twenty-one days.
Cameras & Video Cameras: We are committed to protecting the privacy of every family in the NICU.
You are welcome to take pictures and videos of you little one but please
do not photograph any other babies. If you wish to photograph staff, please
ask first.
Telephone Calls: Parents can call the NICU 24-hours a day at: 805-948-8302. If your baby’s
nurse can’t come to the phone right away, they will call you back
as soon as possible.
Contact Information: Please make sure that the NICU team has all your contact numbers. If you
do not have a telephone, please leave us the number of a neighbor or relative
we can call in an emergency. A member of our medical team will call you
if your baby’s condition changes. Information about your baby will
be given to you or your partner or spouse.
Kangaroo Care: Skin-to-Skin Bonding
Our NICU encourages Kangaroo Care, also known as skin-to-skin bonding.
When your baby is stable enough to be held, we will have you unbutton
your shirt or change into a patient gown so we can place the baby directly
on your chest and wrap you both up in a blanket. Kangaroo care helps babies
stay warm, grow faster, tolerate feedings better, and bond with their parents.
