Why choose Cook Children's for small baby care
Babies who are born very prematurely (less than 28 weeks of pregnancy) are our most fragile patients. They have complex medical issues needing specialized, ongoing care from experts with extensive training and experience.
Cook Children's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Fort Worth has a dedicated Small Baby Unit specifically for extremely premature, low birthweight babies. Although we've always cared for small babies, we are the only Level IV NICU in Fort Worth with a dedicated unit to give our tiniest, most critically ill patients the highest level of care.
What you can expect
The small baby unit adds an extra level of specialized care that can help give your newborn a fighting chance for a bright future Our Small Baby Unit has many benefits for your baby:
Neonatal specialists in our Small Baby Unit monitor and treat preemies and micropreemies with all types of medical conditions and congenital anomalies. Our team stays up to date on the latest evidence-based research and national guidelines on treatment for the smallest babies. They meet regularly to discuss the needs and progress of every baby in the unit.
Very early preemies are extremely sensitive to noise and light. Our Small Baby Unit is in a secluded part of the NICU. The lights are dimmed, and we monitor noise through sound meters. There's very little foot traffic, which reduces noise and disruptions. Dedicated single-family rooms help us minimize infection risk.
Babies born before 37 weeks of pregnancy are premature (preemies), while those born before 26 weeks are considered very premature (micropreemies). Our neonatology team has cared for babies born as early as 22 weeks and weighing less than a pound. Because they're still developing, micropreemies are extremely fragile and require the highest level of care available.
Studies show that small baby units can improve outcomes for very preterm and low birthweight babies. Our unit is specially equipped with multiple ventilators, including two different high-frequency ventilators. Our staff is extensively trained to follow research-based guidelines for treating babies born at 28 weeks or earlier.
Seconds can make all the difference when dealing with extremely premature babies. If desired, a coordinator at your delivery hospital can set up the transfer upon request through our Teddy Bear Transport team, we accept transfers from all over Texas and throughout the U.S. Our transport team swiftly stabilizes, resuscitates and transfers critically ill infants, children, and adolescents, leveraging the expertise of 58 neonatal and pediatric nurses, respiratory therapists, and paramedics.
You're a part of your baby's care team, too. Participating in your baby's care is critical to their progress. We know they have a long road ahead, and we'll support your family throughout your child's care journey. Your care team includes therapists to help you cope and social workers to connect you with any resources you may need. When your baby's ready to go home, we make sure you have all the necessary supplies, equipment and services to care for them. Including, evaluating your car seat to ensure you know how to position your baby safely. Most micropreemies receive a referral to our NEST Center for long-term follow-up care until the age of five.
Nurse managers and nursing director
Think of our nurse managers and nursing director as the captains of your baby’s nursing care team. While they don't always manage day-to-day bedside care directly, they oversee the entire nursing staff, coordinate clinical schedules and ensure our unit maintains the highest standards of safety and pediatric excellence. They're here to support our nurses and ensure your family has everything you need during your stay.
Nursing and patient director
- Brittany McLaughlin, RN
Nurse managers
- Ashley Andrus, MSN, RN, CPN
- Catherine Pillado, RN
- Kaci Biggers, RN
- Kali Dabbs, RN
- Kelly Mourer, BSN, RN, RNC-NIC
- Khala Hart, BSN, RNC-NIC
- Kimberly Nickerson, BSN, RNC-NIC
- Lauren Austin, BSN, RNC-NIC
- Lauren Ebert, BSN, RNC-NIC
- Maria Posada, RN
- Megan Maxwell, BSN, RNC-NIC
Outreach coordinators
Our NICU Outreach Coordinators serve as a supportive bridge between our neonatal care team, expectant families and community physicians. They help prepare parents for upcoming NICU stays, provide real time updates to referring facilities and health care providers and provide regional healthcare providers with the latest specialized education. Together, they ensure every baby in our community gets the strongest possible start.
- Candace Alphin
- Ginger Hall
Advancing small baby care
Babies in the NICU seem so fragile and delicate that parents can be afraid to pick them up or hold them. But whenever possible, holding your tiny premature or critically ill baby is good for both you and your baby. One of the easiest ways to do this is through kangaroo care, the simple method of holding your baby against your bare chest for skin-to-skin contact. This can be done by both parents. We offer "kangaroo tubes" that can be worn to help you and your baby feel more secure along with warm blankets.
We have numerous resources available through lactation services for moms that are having difficulty with nursing/pumping. While other nurses are focusing on your baby's care, the lactation consultant can provide extra attention to you.
We have an on-site milk lab, and we participate in a donor breast milk program. Mothers throughout Texas and surrounding states donate breast milk to the Mother's Milk Bank of North Texas, one of only two milk banks in Texas. The donated milk is tested, pasteurized and delivered to our Level IV Neonatal ICU to provide nourishment for sick and premature babies.
Moments of magic
Hope and healing happen every day here at Cook Children's. We invite you to take a peak.
