Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
Sometimes, your baby needs extra care before being discharged from the hospital. Columbus Community Hospital’s Level II neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) gives newborns the special care they need while they are adjusting to being in the world for the first time.
Care for premature babies
A Level II NICU can care for babies who are born as early as 34 weeks’ gestation. Often, these little ones’ lungs are not fully developed, and they need extra assistance with breathing. Our NICU offers:
- Short-term respiratory support, including nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and a nasal cannula that deliver oxygen.
- Intravenous (IV) therapy.
- Treatment of blood sugar imbalances.
The NICU also provides care for babies who weren’t necessarily born premature, but who need time to grow and learn how to eat.
Comfortable rooms
Columbus Community Hospital’s NICU offers four private rooms, one of which can accommodate two cribs in the case of twins. The rooms each have recliners so parents can be comfortable, and if the parents wish to stay overnight, they can sleep in an extra room on the same unit.
The NICU is staffed by nurses who are specially trained in newborn critical care, and who work under the direction of board-certified pediatricians. Their shared expertise allows for immediate attention and optimal care close to home.
Lactation support
Often, mothers who have babies in the NICU need special help if they choose to breastfeed. Our certified lactation counselors can help them address any challenges, and they can also assist them with pumping milk if their child is unable to breastfeed yet.
Contact us
Columbus Community Hospital
4600 38th St.
Columbus, Nebraska 68602-1800
402-562-3266