Parents choosing the Mercy Birthing Centers for the birth of their baby can be assured that if their newborn requires special care, we have the capabilities to care for high-risk newborns, including premature and low-birth weight babies. Both of our Birthing Centers (at Mercy Anderson and Fairfield) offer Level II Special Care nurseries. This designation is awarded only to hospitals that have demonstrated excellent outcomes in treating high-risk newborns with the necessary staff, services, and equipment.

Babies in Special Care Nursery may require additional respiratory support, extra oxygen, antibiotics, or feeding assistance. All of these services are available in our Level II nursery which is staffed 24 hours a day with Neonatologists from Cincinnati Children's Hospital as well as nurses specially trained to care for those newborns with special needs.

Our nursery provides a hands-on approach to care, even for the high-risk newborn, and promotes the parent's involvement in the care of their baby. By including the parents in a developmentally appropriate plan of care, parents are included in every aspect of their baby's care including feedings, skin-to-skin contact, and discharge planning. While your baby is in Special Care Nursery, Family Suites adjacent to the nursery allow parents to stay in close proximity to their newborn until the infant is ready to be discharged home.