Neonatology

Specialized Neonatal Programs

Neonatology has been ranked #2 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Unique Neonatal Care in the Region

Our expert team of doctors, nurses and support staff offer several programs and treatments that are unique to this region. We are an academic medical center, which means our doctors provide care and lead important research that advances the treatment of sick newborns and premature infants.

Our care is multidisciplinary, meaning that different experts work in teams to create care tailored for your baby’s needs. Your baby will experience the expert focus of specialists from more than 40 pediatric subspecialties, as needed. Our teams also include specialized neonatal nurses, pharmacists, social workers and others experienced in the care of these little ones.

FAQs About Our Neonatal Programs

What is breathing therapy?

Many critically ill infants need help breathing and maintaining a healthy level of oxygen in their blood. ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) acts as a set of heart and lungs for your baby.

The latest state-of-the-art breathing equipment including conventional ventilators, high frequency ventilators, and others area available along with a team of specialize respiratory therapies who work with our neonatology team. For infants who are near-term and not responding to the therapy from these breathing machines, Children’s National has one of the largest ECMO programs for these infants, providing an artificial heart-lung machine for these infants. Learn more about Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Program.

What is protection for the growing brain?

Dedicated neonatal neurologists lead this program focused on babies with neurologic concerns. It is the only program like it in the region and one of only a dozen in the entire country.

We have one of the largest whole-body cooling programs for infants with hypoxic brain injury (trauma depriving the brain of enough oxygen). We are also the only hospital in the area with a MRI-compatible incubator, allowing us to image the brains of our premature infants and sickest newborns. Learn more about the Neonatal Neurology and Neonatal Neurocritical Care Program (Neuroprotection Program).

Specialized Neonatal Programs

Unique Neonatal Care in the Region

FAQs About Our Neonatal Programs

What is breathing therapy?

What is protection for the growing brain?

What is the Neonatal Pharmaceutical Monitoring Program?

What kind of help can I expect with nutrition and feeding?

How do I track post-NICU development for my child?