The Telfair Special Care Nursery (NICU) – Where every baby gets specialized care
Telfair BirthPlace has dedicated neonatologist around the clock to care for your newborn
At the Telfair Special Care Nursery, your baby is cared for by exceptional specialists and caregivers with unwavering support for every family. We ensure that both mother and baby feel secure and nurtured from the very first moments. Our experienced team is here to guide you, whether your birth journey is smooth or requires a little extra care.
Level I Nursery: Comprehensive newborn care in the comfort of your room
Our Level I Nursery is designed to keep you and your newborn together, promoting immediate bonding and allowing you to learn essential parenting skills right in the comfort of your room.
Our dedicated nursing staff provides around-the-clock support, encouraging you to actively participate in caring for your newborn.
We understand how important these early moments are for both the baby and the parents, and our team is here to help you gain the confidence and knowledge you need to feel comfortable in your new role as a parent.
Our nurses are highly experienced and trained to guide you through everything, from feeding techniques to newborn care routines, while also providing the reassurance that help is always nearby should you need it. You and your baby will receive the best care possible while staying close, offering peace of mind and a gentle introduction to parenthood.
Level II Special Care Nursery: Expert care when your baby needs it most
At the Telfair BirthPlace, we handle a variety of situations with care and expertise. Should your baby face any complications after birth, such as being born prematurely, having a low birth weight or experiencing other health challenges, our Level II Special Care Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is here to provide the advanced care needed.
Our team of highly trained nurses and neonatal specialists will immediately step in to deliver focused care, ensuring your baby receives the attention and medical expertise required, anytime you need it. The Level II NICU is equipped with specialized technology and medical protocols designed to support infants facing challenges, giving parents the comfort of knowing their child is in the best hands. We provide the highest quality support while maintaining a nurturing environment for your baby to grow stronger every day.
The Special Care Nursery is dedicated to delivering outstanding care for your family. Our goal is to ensure every mother and baby leaves our care healthy, confident and prepared for the next chapter of their lives together.
Expert neonatal care: Available 24/7
When your newborn’s health is at stake, you want an experienced and highly skilled team that understands the unique challenges of caring for premature or critically ill babies.
Our Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is staffed with dedicated neonatologists who specialize in the care of newborns with complex medical needs. Available around the clock, our team of experts ensures that your baby receives the highest level of care — no matter the time of day or night.
With a deep understanding of neonatal health, our neonatologists work closely with nurses, specialists and other healthcare professionals to monitor and treat your baby’s condition. From breathing support to nutrition management, they oversee every aspect of your baby’s care to promote healthy growth and recovery.
Our team’s extensive training — after years of specialized schooling, residency and fellowship — gives us the expertise to handle the most complex neonatal cases. Rest assured that our 24/7 neonatology team is always on hand to address any changes in your baby’s condition and provide you with the peace of mind that your baby is in skilled, compassionate hands.
Your baby's care: Answers to frequently asked questions
How long will my baby stay in the Special Care Nursery?
Each baby’s journey is unique, and the length of stay can vary. In some cases, doctors may provide an estimate, but rest assured, your baby will receive the best possible care. Our highly experienced team is here to support both you and your child, providing skilled and compassionate care every step of the way.
How can I stay informed about my baby’s condition?
The best way to stay updated is by speaking directly with us. We encourage you to call as often as you need at 912-819-6426. All communication is confidential, and information will only be shared with you, the parents. To ensure your privacy, you will need to provide the infant's hospital identification number (as seen on the mother's armband) before any information can be released over the phone.
When can I visit my baby?
You’re welcome to visit your baby at any time and stay for as long as you wish. We believe that frequent visits are beneficial for both you and your baby, so we encourage you to spend time together. To maintain a safe and efficient environment, visitation guidelines are in place, which we will be happy to share with you.
When can I hold and feed my baby?
There may be a delay before you’re able to hold or feed your baby, depending on their condition. However, there are many other ways you can be involved in their care during this time. We are here to guide you through the process and help you participate in your baby’s care as much as possible.
Can I breastfeed my baby?
Yes, if you plan to breastfeed, we’ll help you make it possible. Please inform your nurse as soon as you can, and we’ll connect you with the necessary resources, including our board-certified lactation consultant. If you're still in the hospital, your nurse can assist you in getting started.
What should I expect when visiting for the first time?
Your baby may look different than you expected or remembered, and they may be surrounded by unfamiliar equipment and staff. We understand this can be overwhelming, and we’ll explain everything to you, including your baby’s equipment, when you first arrive.
What kind of equipment will my baby be using?
In the nursery, most babies sleep in beds designed to keep them warm. Depending on their needs, your baby might be kept warm by an overhead warmer or inside an incubator. You may see thin wires attached to their skin via gentle adhesive—these connect to monitors that track heart and breathing rates.
If there are any changes in heart rate or breathing, the monitors alert our staff. Your baby may also have an intravenous (IV) line for fluids or medication, which is usually placed in veins in the skin of their head, hand, or foot. Some babies also have a narrow tube inserted in their belly button (an umbilical catheter) to draw blood samples or deliver medication. These methods are not painful for your baby.
Why is my baby having trouble breathing?
Breathing difficulties are a common reason for babies being admitted to the special care nursery. This can happen if a baby is born prematurely and their lungs aren’t fully developed, or if fluid remains in the lungs after birth. We closely monitor and treat these conditions to help your baby recover.
Who will be taking care of my baby?
Your baby’s care team consists of skilled professionals, including nurses, physicians, and specialists. We also have a full-time clinical nurse dedicated to newborn nursing. Every member of our staff plays an important role in helping your baby heal and grow, and they’re all here to provide the highest level of care.