Neonatology

The Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Neonatology service cares for newborns with critical or special care needs that are diagnosed during pregnancy or discovered upon delivery.

Our physicians have been at the forefront of neonatal care since the 1950s, when modern-day neonatology first began. The tradition of providing innovative, high quality care for newborns continues today. Each of our nursery teams is dedicated to providing your baby and family with neonatal care that is ranked among the top ten in the country and #1 in the west by U.S.News & World Report.

We are part of the Packard Children's Hospital Johnson Center for Pregnancy and Newborn Services.

Caring for Babies throughout the Greater Bay Area

Palo Alto nurseries. Our main hospital in Palo Alto houses a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), a Level II Packard Intermediate Care Nursery (PICN), and a Well Baby Nursery. Our neonatologists work closely with the hospital’s obstetrics team and highly specialized (subspecialty) pediatric services. Together, we provide every major medical and support service your baby may need.

Nurseries throughout the greater Bay Area. We have partnered with hospitals to build nurseries throughout the greater Bay Area. These enable you to stay closer to home while our team provides your baby with the same high quality of care we provide at our main hospital in Palo Alto. Our nursery locations include Level III nurseries in Santa Cruz and Salinas, and Level II nurseries in Redwood City, Fremont and Watsonville.

Family-Centered Care, Focused on Getting Your Baby Home

Family-centered care. Parents are core members of our neonatal teams and we partner with you to provide the best care possible for your baby. This commitment to family-centered care also includes providing you and your family with the support and information you need throughout your baby’s hospital stay.

Preparing to go home. As your baby grows stronger, we help your baby and your family prepare to start your life together at home. We show you how to care for and bond with your baby, and focus on your baby’s nutrition, growth and development.

A World Leader in Neonatal Research and Training

Research. Instead of focusing exclusively on repair of disorders, our physician-scientists work to prevent many conditions from happening in the first place. Our neonatal research and innovations in care often become common practice at other hospitals, improving outcomes for newborns worldwide.

Training. Our Center for Advanced Pediatric and Perinatal Education (CAPE) is the largest and most advanced pediatric simulation training center on the West Coast. Packard Children’s Hospital obstetric, neonatal and pediatric teams train together so that even the most unpredictable or demanding situation is met with refined skills, coordinated expertise and seamless teamwork.

Learn More

Palo Alto Nurseries
Satellite Nursery Locations
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Dominican Hospital – Santa Cruz
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital
- Special Care Nursery at Sequoia Hospital – Redwood City
- Special Care Nursery at Washington Hospital – Fremont
- Special Care Nursery at Watsonville Community Hospital

Our neonatologists also staff the El Camino Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Mountain View.

Videos

Information for parents of babies in the Packard Intensive Care Nursery (PICN) or Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Our Well Baby Nursery is also discussed.

Johnson Center for Pregnancy and Newborn Services Overview