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 Medical Center, you have that assurance.

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

St. Francis offers this area's only Level III 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 III NICU can make.

• Two 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, three neonatal nurse practitioners and 10 respiratory therapists
• Social worker serving babies and parents
• 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 III 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.

Families Have a Choice for NICU Care

We hope your family never needs newborn critical care, but it’s good to know what’s available—just in case. If you are ever faced with this decision, you can choose our high quality NICU care at St. Francis Medical Center and keep your family together close to home, which is better for mom, baby and the whole family. For more information on our Level III NICU services, call (318) 966-4159.

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 III NICU
• Dedicated NICU Transport Team
• NicView web camera
• Access to Louisiana’s largest Children’s Health network