Level III Neonatal ICU

Every year, more than 1,000 infants are cared for in the Neonatal ICU (NICU). As the only Level III NICU in North Alabama, our unit is designated by the state as the Regional Referral Center for NICU care. This means that infants born in hospitals throughout our region are transported here to receive critical, lifesaving medical care.

These infants are brought to our hospital by the Kids Care ambulance, which uses specialized equipment and highly trained staff to provide around-the-clock transport services for infants and newborns coming to the NICU.

To learn more about the different levels of Neonatal ICU and what they mean, visit our oHH Baby blog.

Caring for babies in a Level III NICU requires many clinical specialties. Our team includes:

Board Certified Neonatologists
Neonatal Nurse Practitioners
Neonatal Registered Nurses certified by the American Heart Association’s Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP). Many also hold an additional Neonatal Intensive Care Certification.
Respiratory Therapists
Lactation Consultants
Speech, Physical & Occupational Therapists
Music Therapist
Child Life Specialists
Registered Dietitians
Cuddler Volunteers
Family Support Program to address the unique needs of NICU families
Social worker to help with specialized needs of our families

Our unit is also supported by the many pediatric physician specialists on our hospital’s Medical Staff including Maternal Fetal Medicine, Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Pulmonology, Pediatric Neurology and Pediatric Urology. Within our team of clinicians, we’ve also developed a dedicated Small Baby Team with specialized training to provide care to our smallest, most fragile patients.

Infant Nutrition Lab

We support breastfeeding because of the proven health benefits for both mom and baby. This includes North Alabama's only state-certified infant nutrition lab, a dedicated area where many of our babies' feedings are carefully and securely prepared by specially trained staff.

Nutrition plans developed by registered dietitians and neonatologists
Certified staff trained to prepare your baby’s feedings in a safe, clean environment
Breastmilk storage with closely monitored temperatures
Barcode scanning system for patient verification
Consistent fortification based on the nutritional needs of your baby
Breastfeeding moms are supported by our staff of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants with advanced training in assisting families in the NICU. Breastfeeding mothers are encouraged to breastfeed or pump at the baby's bedside or use one of our breastfeeding rooms for privacy.

Honor your NICU miracle on the NICU Miracle Tree

You can make a lasting impact for every little miracle and family in our Regional Neonatal ICU — Purchase a leaf or butterfly in honor or in memory of a baby who spent time in this special unit. Your tribute will be displayed prominently on the NICU Miracle Tree and will bring hope to future NICU families walking into the unit each day.

Click here to purchase a leaf or butterfly for your NICU miracle. One hundred percent of the proceeds will help Huntsville Hospital Foundation purchase innovative technology and fund programs to benefit our smallest patients and their families.

Palliative Care Program

High-risk pregnancies can be terrifying for families. When the diagnosis is given, many families feel scared and confused about the next steps and what it all means for their baby and their family. The Palliative Care program in our regional Level III NICU aims to support families throughout a high-risk pregnancy, delivery and beyond. The goal of palliative care is for families to be educated on their infant's diagnosis, associated risks, possible surgical interventions, what delivery will look like, what a NICU stay involves, what long-term care entails and, if necessary, end-of-life plans. We support families whose infants are diagnosed with a life-threatening condition or a condition that will require long-term support and care after birth. For more information, call Palliative Care Director Beth Kirby at (256) 265-7585.