Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Giving birth is usually a time for celebration and joy. But if complications arise, it's comforting to know that this area's highest level of neonatal life-saving technology is down the hall. If you have your baby at St. Francis, you have that assurance.

Northeast Louisiana's Only Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

St. Francis offers this area's only Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The NICU team consists of nurses, neonatal nurse practitioners, neonatologists, respiratory therapists, case managers, and lactation consultants, along with physical and occupational therapists. During your baby's stay, our team will work closely with one another in planning appropriate care for development based upon the needs of your baby and family, as well as assisting you in preparation for discharge.

Before you decide where to have your baby, know the difference a Level 3 NICU can make.

• 2 neonatologists: Dr. Marc de Soler and Dr. Carmen Payne (a neonatologist is a pediatrician who specializes in the care and treatment of sick and premature newborns)
• 35-bed unit with 44 specially-trained nurses, 3 neonatal nurse practitioners and 10 respiratory therapists
• Master's-prepared social worker serving our maternal child patients
• Unit-based pharmacist with satellite pharmacy on the floor
• NICU transport team that brings babies from area hospitals to St. Francis NICU
• High-risk pregnancy/childbirth referral center for the entire region
• NicView allows parents to watch their baby 24/7

As a Level 3 NICU, we are equipped to provide comprehensive care to infants who are born before 32 weeks. Our NICU also cares for full-term infants with serious illnesses. Our pediatric specialists are also available to assist in areas of neurosurgery, cardiology, and neurology, among others.

With advanced imaging, a variety of respiratory support, and our own Neonatal Intensive Care Unit we are prepared and certified to care for critically ill infants.

Stay connected with your baby in real-time, any time.

Download the NicView app on your smartphone and log in securely to stream via our NicView camera (video only, no audio). Share your log-in with family and loved ones who can support you and your baby during your stay with us.

Stay with Ease

• Region’s only Level 3 NICU
• Dedicated NICU Transport Team
• NicView web camera
• Access to Louisiana’s largest Children’s Health network