Skip to main content
Go Back to System Level

For the safety of our babies and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic, our visitor policy has been temporarily changed.

UM St. Joseph Medical Center's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) has earned a Level IIIB designation by the state of Maryland, allowing us to treat mothers experiencing a high-risk pregnancy and their newborns.

We know that becoming a parent of a newborn admitted to the NICU can be stressful and overwhelming. Our NICU staff members are here to give a positive and caring experience, dedicated to providing the treatment and support your little one needs to grow strong and healthy and thrive.

In the Mrs. Alonzo G. Decker Jr. Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, we help infants needing specialized care due to premature birth, respiratory disease and other conditions.

NICU babies are closely cared for by a skilled team of board-certified neonatologists, neonatal nurses and nurse practitioners who work with the latest technology.

All babies are carefully and lovingly monitored 24/7 in our secure, state-of-the-art unit, which is located near our Mother-Baby floor, so nursing mothers and new parents can easily visit.

We also offer physical and occupational therapy services to foster the babies' growth and help them reach important developmental milestones.

NICU Visitation Policy

Parents are permitted to visit the NICU every day at any time, with the exception of 6:30 am – 8 am and 6:30 pm – 8 pm. During these times, the NICU is closed to all visitors, to allow for patient confidentiality during nursing shift changes, when the care team discusses each infant’s care plan and progress.

All other visitors—including our NICU infants’ siblings—can visit between the hours of 8 am and 6:30 pm daily.

NICU Security and Safety

Access to the NICU is restricted to those issued a unique NICU badge. This badge can only be obtained with proper identification and allows admittance to the NICU's Middendorf Family Room or the unit's lobby/waiting area.

As a further security measure, the entrance to the NICU care area is monitored and controlled by the staff from inside the unit.

Additional Support for NICU Parents

The NICU Media Room offers parents a place to read, review and research information related to their baby's condition.

Educational materials may be used or borrowed at any time, and a computer with internet access is also available.

For your comfort, this room is equipped with a sleeping area and has access to a private bathroom and shower.

For Nursing Mothers

Our NICU has a hospital-grade breast pump, available to nursing mothers who wish to use it while at UM St. Joseph. A private and secure pumping room is available on the NICU floor.

If you need breastfeeding help or support, our dedicated WarmLine at 410-337-3994 allows you to speak directly with a lactation consultant.

NICU Phone Numbers To Know

In This Section:

Healthgrades - 2023 - C-Section Delivery - Five-Star Award