Babies born early or with complex medical conditions often spend their
first days in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). After they go home
— and as they grow — these children may also have medical
conditions or developmental challenges that require special attention.
At Children’s Hospital of New Orleans, we have a dedicated team who
can provide comprehensive medical and developmental care. Our Neonatal
Follow-Up Program addresses the needs of premature and medically complex
infants after they leave the hospital and provides families with the resources
they may need from infancy into early childhood.
This program does not replace a child’s pediatrician or well-child
check-ups; it is for children who need continued monitoring, care coordination
and early interventions after they “graduate” from neonatal
intensive care units (NICUs) throughout our region.
Your child’s neonatal team will let you know if your child could
benefit from this program and will help set up your child’s first
appointment before you bring your baby home from the hospital. The Neonatal
Follow-up Program will then work closely with your child’s primary
care physician, specialists and community partners to help you care for
your child as they grow.
The CHNOLA Neonatal Follow-up Program includes a team of specialists with
expertise in identifying and helping families manage the challenges that
children with special healthcare needs may face. Our experienced team
will work with your family and your child’s other healthcare providers
to create an individualized care plan that helps your child develop to
their fullest potential!
Our team of specialty providers includes:
Nurses and physicians who specialize in follow-up care for NICU “graduates”
Occupational and speech therapists
Patient care navigators
Dietitians
Services available through this program include nutritional, medical, neuromotor,
developmental, psychological and sociobehavioral evaluations and with
treatment and referrals, individualized to your child as deemed appropriate
by the care team. Early, coordinated intervention to address concerns
related to your child’s health and development can make sure they
continue to grow and develop new skills!
Your child’s first visit to the Neonatal Follow-up Program typically
occurs within four to six weeks of discharge from the hospital.
Our specialized team is uniquely qualified to treat babies and children
with serious conditions. Our Neonatal Follow-Up Program was thoughtfully
designed to be centered on the unique needs of medically complex infants
and their families with a focus on improving the transition from hospital
to home and across the first few years.
A cornerstone of our approach is support for your family. We know caring
for a medically complex child at home can be challenging — physically,
emotionally, and financially — and we can help you access services
and resources to meet your family’s needs during the first years
of your child’s life.
The Neonatal Follow-Up Program is available at CHNOLA’s Main Campus
and at several additional CHNOLA Specialty Care locations including Baton
Rouge, Covington, and Metairie. Talk to your child’s healthcare
provider about whether your child could benefit from this program.
