---

When your baby is in the NICU, there’s a big team of experts working together to provide the best care.

The doctors in the NICU are also called neonatologists. They are in charge of your baby’s overall care. They guide you to make decisions like what treatments are needed or if special tests are required. There will always be an attending—a doctor who has completed specialized training in neonatology—leading the team. Sometimes, you’ll also meet pediatric residents (doctors who are training to be pediatricians) or neonatology fellows (pediatricians who are training to be neonatologists), who are part of the “doctor team.” They work closely with the attending to make sure your baby gets the best care.

In a larger hospital, your team may include Advanced Practice Providers (APP). An APP in the NICU is a healthcare professional with advanced training who works closely with neonatologists and the NICU team to provide specialized care for newborns. They can diagnose conditions, develop treatment plans, perform procedures, and prescribe medications. APPs typically include NICU Nurse Practitioners (NNPs) and NICU Physician Assistants (PAs).

Nurses are with your baby day and night. They handle everything from feeding and diaper changes to making sure your baby is comfortable and stable. They’ll be the ones you see the most and can talk to about how your baby is doing.

If your baby has trouble breathing, a respiratory therapist will step in. They’re experts in helping babies breathe better and may use special machines or offer breathing treatments for your baby.

If your baby needs medicine, a pharmacist is there to make sure that doctors have ordered the medications correctly, safely, and just the right amount for your baby’s size and condition.

Sometimes babies in the NICU need help with moving or eating. A physical therapist helps your baby grow stronger and move better, while an occupational therapist helps with feeding and learning small movements. Both work together to help your baby grow and develop.

A dietician makes sure your baby is getting the right nutrients to grow healthy and strong, whether that’s through milk, formula, or supplements.

The NICU also has a social worker who helps support your family. They can connect you with resources, answer questions, or just be there to talk if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Finally, a case manager, who is usually a nurse by training, will help plan for the future. They’ll make sure you have everything you need when it’s time to take your baby home, like follow-up appointments or special equipment.

Each person on the team plays an important role, and they all work together to make sure your baby is in the best hands. And of course, YOU are the most important part of this team! Shared decision-making is when members of the healthcare team and families work together to make the best choices for the baby. These members are here to support both you and your baby every step of the way.