The Department of Neonatology at the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center combines the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and the well baby nursery. Approximately 12,000 healthy babies are born and cared for in the Lis Maternity Hospital every year.
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) treats premature inborn babies as well as infants transferred from other hospitals in Israel and around the world. About 10% of newborns require additional treatment and support after birth. The NICU offers close and sophisticated monitoring equipment, advanced respiratory care using some of the most advance ventilation support devices in the world as well as advanced diagnostic and surgery facilities.
The Well Baby Nursery is where a healthy full term infant will spend the remainder of it's stay. Our nurses are trained and experienced in both mother and baby care. Following the birth of a baby, the mother may choose to have her baby with her all day, (rooming in) or may prefer that he or she spends time in the Well Baby Nursery while she rests.
blood tests and immunization are done according to the Ministry of Health's requirements.
Each newborn infant undergoes a complete physical examination by a doctor within 12 hours of birth and again before discharge. Most infants are examined by a pediatric orthopedics and If needed, a consultation with a multi-disciplinary team of doctors from the Dana Children's Hospital is done.
The mother receives ample instruction about caring for her newborn, feeding and medical followup as needed, given by the nurses and qualified breastfeeding counselors
Associated medical units
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) treats babies and premature babies born at the Lis Hospital, and premature babies who were transferred from other hospitals in Israel and around the world for special treatment in the unit, such as pediatric surgery, neurosurgery and urology. About 10% of newborns require treatment above the normal treatment given to other babies. Most - 7.5% - are premature, while the others are newborns suffering from genetic defects, conditions caused by the birth process, and others.
The NICU treats babies born from 23 weeks gestation, who suffer from immature respiratory systems, and often require artificial respiration, using some of the most advance breathing apparatus in the world; digestive systems, that require intravenous feeding and gradual feeding through the digestive system, using strict and close monitoring of the premature baby's condition.
Routine laboratory tests and ultrasounds are conducted within the department, which allow doctors to test even the tiniest and most vulnerable babies, without having to move them to other departments.
A social worker in the NICU offers parents emotional and mental support and helps them deal with the welfare services, if needed. A pediatric psychiatrist is also available to help parents.
The staff gradually lowers the level of intensive medical care, and slowly hands over responsibility to the parents. When the preemie is stronger, we recommend using the "kangaroo approach" - during which the baby is taken out of the incubator, and laid on the naked chest of the mother or father. The baby, of course, is covered with a blanket. It has been proven that this method does not affect the body of the tiny baby, while at the same time s/he feels relaxed and increases bonding with parents.
After discharge, the tiny babies receive follow-up care at the Institute for Child Development, allowing intervention as needed.
Other than preemies, babies suffering from a variety of genetic disorders, such as respiratory, digestive, nervous and urinary conditions, are treated in the NICU.
In the NICU there are nine emergency stations, eight intermediate stations and an isolation room with negative air pressure that prevents viruses moving from the isolation room to the NICU. There are also 13 cots for babies in stable conditions, who are learning to feed orally, and their parents are learning to care for their child in anticipation of their return home.
The Newborn Care Department treats thousands of newborns born at Lis Maternity & Women's Hospital every year, including healthy babies, premature infants and babies needing special medical care.
From the first moments of life
Newborn care begins immediately after birth, with parent-baby bonding, optional breastfeeding, and an initial examination and evaluation.
The infant is then placed under special admission observation for several hours and then transferred to the mother if she has chosen the rooming-in option, or placed in the nursery. Lis Hospital offers a range of rooming-in possibilities, from full rooming in, in which the baby can spend the entire day with its mother, or partial rooming-in, based on the mother's preferences.
Baby-focused care
Each newborn infant undergoes a complete physical examination by a pediatrician before discharge. Pediatricians are also on call 24 hours a day for any medical need that may arise.
Blood tests and treatments are performed, and immunizations are given according to the Ministry of Health's requirements. When necessary, other tests, such as special blood tests, x-rays, or ultrasounds, are conducted after pediatrician and parental medical counseling.
Intensive care for special situations
Newborns needing special medical attention may be transferred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for monitoring and/or treatment.
A healthy send-off
The Lis medical team provides quality care to prepare babies and their parents for discharge home, including offering instructions for newborn care, hygiene, feeding and medical follow-up.