New!   Family Information Packet

The NSMC Special Care Nursery is designed to care for babies who need medical monitoring and specialized services that are not readily available in a conventional nursery. We regularly care for babies who are born prematurely or at a low birth weight, who are twins or triplets, or who have medical problems at birth. We are an affiliate of MassGeneral Hospital for Children.

We are staffed 24 hours a day by three board-certified neonatologists. Our neonatologists are affiliated with and hold degrees from Harvard, and practice in the Harvard-teaching hospitals, which include Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital. Board-certified pediatricians and specially-trained neonatal nurses are also on staff.

Rounding out the special care we provide are pediatric cardiologists (heart specialists), pediatric neurologists (nervous system specialists), pediatric surgeons, pediatric radiologists (X-ray), geneticists and nutritionists, pediatric physical therapists, occupational therapists and certified lactation consultants .

A baby in the special care nursery is typically connected to a variety of medical monitors that allow the staff to know exactly what he or she needs at all times. The special care nurses will explain the purpose of every monitor, tube and test used for your baby. You and your pediatrician are key partners in your baby’s stay in the nursery. With your authorization, your pediatrician may visit your baby at any time and you will receive regular progress reports from our nursery staff.

 You will have the opportunity to take a variety of child care classes, including bathing, feeding and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), prior to bringing your baby home. Once home, your baby’s doctors and nurses are available to you 24 hours a day, seven days a week. NSMC North Shore Children's Hospital has a High-Risk Infant Follow-Up Program that follows your baby's development during the first three years.

If you need extra support at home, Partners Home Care can provide you with assistance. Talk to our staff to make arrangements.

see new baby photos

 Learn more about neonatal intensive care