If your baby is born prematurely or with a medical condition, you’ll be reassured to know that our neonatal specialists are ready to provide the advanced level of care your newborn will need. It is also important for you to know that your baby will be cared for in an environment specially designed to nurture its development and growth. Yuma Regional Medical Center's 20-bed Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is licensed as a Level III NICU by the State of Arizona, which means that it is capable of caring for the smallest and most medically-challenged newborn babies.
Yuma Regional Medical Center takes a team approach to providing the best possible care for newborns who need special medical attention such as breathing assistance and nutritional support. Depending on the baby's needs, this care team may include neonatologists (newborn intensive care specialists), registered nurses, respiratory therapists, social workers, case managers, speech therapists and physical therapists. Lactation consultants are also available to help new mothers breastfeed their babies successfully. When necessary, babies in the NICU can also receive a special human milk-based formula designed specifically for premature infants and donated by new moms with an excess milk supply. This important nutritional support is provided through our partnership with Prolacta. Neonates that are 30 weeks or less are assessed and screened for Retinopathy of Prematurity, a retina disease that can develop in premature babies. If the disease is found, our ophthalmologist will regularly monitor the baby's condition and provide any necessary treatments.
The Yuma Regional Medical Center neonatal team works closely with each family while the baby is being treated in the NICU. Parents receive regular updates on the baby's progress as well as specific recommendations based on the baby's age and developmental needs. The Yuma Regional Medical Center Spiritual Care department is also available to offer emotional and spiritual support to families whenever needed.
If you have questions about our Neonatal ICU, please call 928-336-7661.