Special Care Nursery

Our Special Care Nursery (SCN) is an integral part of Brigham and Women’s/Newton-Wellesley Obstetrics at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. Our SCN contains the most advanced equipment – from state-of-the-art technology to private reclining chairs for skin-to-skin cuddling – to ensure superior medical care and comfort for babies and their families. Each of our 12 baby care areas is spacious, separate and allows privacy for parents and visitors. We can comfortably accommodate twins and triplets or other specific family needs.

The Special Care Nursery (SCN) at Newton-Wellesley Hospital is a new, modern, and unique facility. Specialized medical care is provided for sick and premature newborns, including:

• 24-hour newborn specialist care.
• Medical and surgical pediatric sub-specialist care.
• State-of-the-art medical technology.
• Comfortable, spacious, and private care areas for each family.
• Architectural flexibility to accommodate twins, triplets, and other patient and family needs.
• Parent room.

Special Care Nursery Staff
The Special Care Nursery is staffed by a multi-disciplinary team of health care professionals including those listed below:

Neonatologists
The SCN team is directed by neonatologists who are pediatricians with advanced training in the care of sick and premature newborns. This level of care is available in the hospital 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Other Physicians
Through Mass General for Children at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, pediatric specialists in pulmonary disease, cardiology, neurology, and a full complement of other sub-specialties are also available for consultation and treatment.

Nurses
All registered nurses working at the SCN have special training in the care of premature and sick newborns. In collaboration with our physicians, nursing staff plan many aspects of care in addition to parent education and discharge planning.

Respiratory Therapists
Respiratory therapists with skill and experience working with newborns.

Physical Therapists/Occupational Therapists
Developmental assessments and treatment are provided, if needed, to promote normal muscle tone and motor skills. Parent education for positioning and handling techniques for special-needs infants is also provided.

Lactation Consultants
Registered nurses with advanced certification in breastfeeding are available through the SCN to provide education, support, and problem solving to help breastfeeding mothers achieve success.

Dietitians
Registered dietitians with specialty training in neonatal nutrition will work with nursing staff and physicians to provide nutrition information to meet the specific needs and optimal growth of your newborn.

Social Workers
A professional licensed clinical social worker with special training in the needs and concerns of families with special care infants can assist with a variety of health care and financial arrangements for SCN patients.