Admissions and Transfers to St. Louis Children’s Hospital NICU
Transferring to St. Louis Children’s Hospital’s NICU from another hospital
We understand that it can be unexpected, daunting and even scary when your baby needs to be transferred to another hospital’s newborn intensive care unit (NICU), especially if you need to remain in the hospital where you delivered. If your baby is being transferred to the St. Louis Children’s Hospital NICU, there are some cases in which we can arrange for both mother and baby to be transferred together. This ensures that mothers receive necessary recovery care while staying close to their baby. If you are unable to be with your baby in the NICU, our care team will maintain regular communication to keep you fully informed about your baby’s health. Rest assured that at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, your baby will receive around-the-clock care from a team of nationally renowned experts dedicated to a family-centered experience.
If you are seeking a second opinion or wish to transfer your infant to the NICU at St. Louis Children's Hospital, please discuss this request with your baby’s physician. Your baby’s doctor can arrange the transfer of your infant's care by contacting the Children's Direct physician access line at 800-678-HELP (4357). Our specially trained critical care transport team is available day or night to respond.
Preparing for NICU care before giving birth
When delivering at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, you can take comfort in knowing that the St. Louis Children’s Hospital NICU is conveniently located just steps away from labor and delivery, connected by a bridge. This proximity allows us to provide comprehensive medical care for both mothers and newborns in one location, minimizing the need for transporting fragile babies by ambulance or helicopter.
For those diagnosed with a congenital defect or anomaly wanting to consult a neonatologist or other pediatric specialist before your infant's birth, either you or your doctor can reach out to the Fetal Care Center. The Fetal Care Center offers care for unborn babies diagnosed with medical conditions. A nurse coordinator from the Fetal Care Center will assist with coordinating appointments, tests and NICU tours.
Transferring from St. Louis Children’s Hospital to a NICU or Special Care Nursery closer to home
As a Level 4 NICU, we are equipped to provide the highest level of care for critically ill newborns. Our primary objective is to enhance the health of each baby to the point where they no longer require the specialized services of a Level 4 NICU. For some families, this means transitioning home, and for others, it involves moving to a less intensive NICU at one of our partner hospitals within the St. Louis Children’s Hospital network. These transfers allow us to continue providing Level 4 NICU services to the most vulnerable newborns in our region while ensuring your baby receives exceptional care closer to home, facilitating easier and potentially more frequent visits. In addition, many of the neonatologists who have cared for your baby in our NICU also staff the NICUs and Special Care Nurseries at our partner hospitals, including:
- Missouri Baptist Medical Center – Level 3 NICU
- Progress West Hospital – Level 2 Newborn Intensive Care Unit / Special Care Nursery
- Memorial Hospital (Shiloh, Illinois) – Level 2E Special Care Nursery
When your baby is ready to graduate to a less critical NICU, we ensure a seamless transition. Our specially trained newborn transport team will manage the transfer to the new facility, using vehicles equipped to meet all your baby’s needs.
Read more about what to expect during your baby’s NICU stay at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
