Editor’s note: This article was provided by Mary Washington Healthcare, a corporate sponsor of the Fredericksburg Free Press. As part of its continued partnership with MWHC, the Free Press will publish monthly public health awareness content on topics such as wellness, preventative care and the latest advancements in healthcare. This partnership seeks to help the community make informed health decisions while offering a behind-the-scenes look at local care and services. Content has been edited for clarity and style by the editorial staff.
The Joe and Mary Wilson Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Mary Washington Hospital is a beacon of hope and care for families with newborns requiring specialized medical attention. Its comprehensive services, compassionate care, and state-of-the-art facilities make the Wilson NICU at Mary Washington Hospital a vital resource for the community.
The Wilson NICU at Mary Washington Hospital is a Level III NICU, which means it is equipped to care for the most critically ill and premature infants. The unit is staffed by a dedicated team of board-certified neonatologists, specialized nurses and a multidisciplinary team that includes pharmacists, social workers and therapists.
Why babies need the NICU
Babies are admitted to the Wilson NICU for various reasons, including prematurity, complications during delivery or health issues with the mother. Dr. Arslan Arshad, medical director, explains that high-risk deliveries are attended by neonatologists who provide immediate care if the baby requires respiratory support, temperature regulation or other medical interventions. According to NICU Nurse Manager Nancy Young, babies as young as 22 weeks can be cared for in the Wilson NICU, highlighting the unit’s capability to handle extremely premature infants.
The Wilson NICU team at Mary Washington Hospital emphasizes the importance of communication with parents. Parents are updated regularly about their baby’s condition, says Dr. Arshad, as well as the tests being conducted, and the expected outcomes. This continuous communication helps parents feel involved and reassured about their baby’s care. The unit also encourages parents to participate in daily rounds and be part of the care team, fostering a collaborative environment.
One of the key aspects of the Wilson NICU’s approach is involving parents in the care of their babies. The nurses, who are specially trained in neonatal intensive care, serve as educators, teaching parents how to care for their premature or sick infants. This includes instructions on feeding, diaper changes and bonding techniques such as skin-to-skin contact. Young emphasizes that the best touch for a baby is the parent’s touch, and the nurses work diligently to ensure parents are comfortable and confident in caring for their babies.
The Wilson NICU provides extensive support services to families. Social workers and case managers evaluate mothers for postpartum depression and anxiety, offering resources and support to ensure they can visit and bond with their babies. The unit also collaborates with community resources to provide mental health support and other necessary services. This holistic approach ensures that both the baby and the family receive comprehensive care.
The new space offers private rooms for each baby, allowing parents to stay overnight and be close to their infants. These rooms are equipped with couches, recliners and special positioning pillows to facilitate breastfeeding and skin-to-skin care. The private rooms also ensure confidentiality and provide a quiet, calming environment for both the baby and the family.
The Wilson NICU has an open visitation policy, allowing parents to be with their babies 24/7. Each baby can have up to three visitors in the room, enabling more family members to support the parents and bond with the baby. This family-centered approach is crucial for the emotional well-being of both the baby and the parents.
When it comes time for a baby to be discharged from the Wilson NICU, the team ensures a smooth transition to home care. Parents are taught how to care for their babies, including temperature regulation and safe sleep practices. The NICU provides a “going home package” with essentials including formula, diapers, and a keepsake quilt. The unit also coordinates follow-up appointments with pediatricians and specialists to ensure ongoing care and monitoring.
Resources for high-risk pregnancies in the community
Mary Washington Hospital is recognized as a “high-risk delivery center,” with a close partnership with Mary Washington Maternal Fetal Medicine. The Wilson NICU team is aware of high-risk pregnancies in the community and works closely with these mothers to ensure they receive the best possible care. This collaboration ensures that babies born to high-risk mothers receive immediate and specialized care in the NICU.
The Wilson NICU at Mary Washington Hospital stands out for its comprehensive care, state-of-the-art facilities, and compassionate approach. The dedication of the medical and nursing staff, combined with the support services and family-centered care, ensures that every baby and family receives the best possible care.
For more information about The Joe and Mary Wilson Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Mary Washington Hospital, click here.
Written by Nancy Young, NICU Nurse Manager, Women’s and Children’s Care Center, Mary Washington Hospital and Arslan Arshad, MD, Medical Director, Children’s National Hospital.
