When your baby is born too early or is critically ill at birth, they will need advanced care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, or NICU. We’re here for you when your new baby arrives, during their care in the NICU, and as they grow and develop.  

Because babies who are born early often have ongoing health concerns, experts with our NICU Follow-Up Program will continue to monitor their health and development long after they leave the hospital. Our team knows how to best support babies born in the NICU and their families and they will help you start our program while you transition out of hospital care.  

As part of our NICU Follow-Up Program, children born prematurely are followed by our team throughout early childhood until they enter elementary school. We put together a unique plan tailored to each child, so they can learn and progress to their fullest potential. We will work closely with you and your child to coordinate their care and provide you with the resources they need to thrive as they grow.  

For your convenience, M Health Fairview Pediatrics provides NICU Follow-Up Program care at three clinic locations: Minneapolis, Burnsville, and Maple Grove. We also offer a Birth to Three Program that can support your child as they get older, and the program can provide an individual plan that works to maximize normal development. 

Breathing Support at Home 
Some prematurely born infants may require follow-up care by a pediatric pulmonologist for chronic lung disease of prematurity, or bronchopulmonary dysplasia after they leave the hospital. Many will need oxygen support, while others may require a higher level of care. A smaller number of infants may need a machine (ventilator) with a mask or tracheostomy to assist with breathing. To support your child and family as you transition back home, we will connect you with a NICU pulmonology provider early on - someone who knows you and your child and can provide continuous care.  

Our doctors are supported by a team of incredibly dedicated nurses who will guide you during the first days at home with your vulnerable, technology-dependent child. Working in tandem with pulmonologists and respiratory therapists, our nurses will help answer every question you have, troubleshoot any medical equipment issues, and make sure you feel empowered and educated to care for your child.  

NICU Family Support Program 
Our NICU at M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital was selected as a March of Dimes NICU Family Support Program site. The March of Dimes NICU Family Support Program, along with the social workers assigned to each baby and their family and the rest of our NICU team, provides information and comfort to families of premature babies and other critically ill newborns being cared for in a NICU. Guided by former NICU families, this unique program is built on a family-centered philosophy. It addresses the needs of parents, siblings, grandparents, and extended families. 

About Our NICUs 
Discovering that your baby needs specialized care right after birth is stressful. Our neonatologists, nurse practitioners and entire staff are ready at any time to take compassionate, expert care of you and your newborn. We’ve found that simply understanding the NICU and how it works can help reduce fears. If your baby needs NICU care, our staff will clearly explain the situation, answer your questions, and keep you informed about your baby’s condition. 

Our providers specialize in personalized, family-centered care for the smallest babies and the most complex cases. 

• The NICU is staffed around the clock by specially trained neonatal nurse practitioners, working with internationally respected, board-certified neonatologists. 
• The NICU team includes nurses, respiratory therapists, licensed social workers, speech and physical therapists, lactation consultants, pharmacists and nutritionists who use their advanced training and the latest technology to care for your baby. 
• University of Minnesota pediatric programs have educated 80 percent of Minnesota’s pediatric physicians – our doctors and nurses train the experts. 
• Our work in national clinical trials and research programs strive to continue improving outcomes for critically ill infants.