If you’re about to give birth and have been advised your baby may need extra care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), you probably have a lot of questions. One of the most important things to understand is how NICU levels work.

In this blog, we first provide an overview of all four NICU levels. We then compare the level 2 NICU and level 3 NICU care provided at Moreland OB-GYN’s ProHealth hospital affiliations in Oconomowoc and Waukesha, Wisconsin, giving you a clear understanding of what services and care you can expect at each level.

Levels of NICU

A neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), also known as an intensive care nursery, is an intensive care unit within a hospital that specializes in the care of ill or premature newborn infants. There are four NICU levels, ranging from Level 1 (the mildest) to Level 4 (the most severe). Each NICU level describes the type of medical conditions and treatments a newborn may need.

Level 1 NICU

Level 1NICU describes the most common level of care for newborns. Babies at this level typically require minimal observation or treatment for common newborn issues such as jaundice or difficulty eating. Most babies needing Level 1 NICU care do not have any complex health issues and are discharged home relatively quickly after delivery.

Level 2 NICU

Newborns needing Level 2 NICU care may have more serious medical issues than those in Level 1 but still don't require major interventions like surgery or breathing support. Babies who start at Level 2 often progress well with appropriate monitoring and treatment and can go home soon after being stabilized.

Level 3 NICU

At this level, babies typically require more complicated treatments, such as minor surgical procedures or mechanical ventilation, to keep them stable until they are able to breathe on their own again. Babies who start at Level 3 NICU may take longer to recover compared to those at lower levels due to their more severe medical conditions.

Level 4 NICU

A Level 4 NICU includes the capabilities of Level 3 with additional capabilities and considerable surgical access for the most complex and critically ill newborn infants. This is the highest NICU level and typically has pediatric medical and surgical specialty consultants available 24 hours a day with on-site pediatric surgical centers.

Level 2 NICU vs. Level 3 NICU

The obstetricians at Moreland OB-GYN deliver at ProHealth’s Waukesha Memorial Hospital and Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital, which offer Level 3 and Level 2 care, respectively.

If your baby needs NICU care, the neonatology teams at our ProHeath hospital affiliations will be there for you and your family. When you choose to deliver with Moreland-OBGYN, you can feel confident knowing your newborn will receive the best NICU care available in Waukesha County.

Level 2 NICU Requirements

The Level 2 NICU in ProHealth Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital offers specialized care for infants born at 32 weeks or later, who weigh 1500 grams (3.3 pounds) or more, and those with shorter-term health needs. This NICU provides comprehensive care for babies who may require more intensive monitoring or treatment than what can be offered at a standard hospital nursery or birthing center.

Level 3 NICU Requirements

Located in ProHealth Waukesha Memorial Hospital, Waukesha County’s only Level 3 NICU provides comprehensive care for infants born as early as 22 weeks and those weighing less than one pound.

Waukesha Memorial’s Level 3 NICU is the highest level of neonatal care available in Waukesha County, providing high-tech equipment such as incubators and high-frequency mechanical ventilators that can help stabilize fragile babies while their conditions are monitored closely by neonatal specialists. Minor surgical procedures are offered at this level, and transports are available to nearby pediatric surgical centers if major surgery is needed.

NICU Care and Services

The trusted Prohealth Care staff and providers offer the following neonatal care and services:

• 24/7 coverage by neonatologists and neonatal nurse practitioners.
  
  
• 24/7 availability of a neonatal ambulance team to seamlessly transport the baby to the best hospital for their needs.
  
  
• Access to pediatric subspecialists in cardiology (heart care), neurology (brain and spine care), gastroenterology (digestive health), nephrology (kidney care) and more.
  
  
• International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) to guide you in breastfeeding.
  
  
• Respiratory therapists who help your newborn breathe.
  
  
• Occupational therapists who promote healthy development and growth.
  
  
• Social workers who connect your family to local resources.
  
  
• Developmental follow-up services for NICU graduates.

A Trusted Partner in Your Pregnancy Journey

Moreland OB-GYN is your trusted partner from your first office visit to delivery and beyond. Our caring obstetricians and providers are here to answer any questions you have regarding not only your baby’s health but your overall health and well-being as a mother.

We will walk you through every stage of your pregnancy journey, ensuring you and your baby get the best possible treatment and care. We are here to help you feel prepared and confident when your due date approaches. Learn more about our obstetric services or schedule a visit today!