At Boston Children’s Hospital, the Neonatology Consult Service within the Division of Newborn Medicine focuses on the health and development of our youngest patients, offering continuous, compassionate support throughout their hospital stay — from the NICU and beyond. Our multidisciplinary team — including neonatologists, nurse practitioners, and support staff — works together to ensure that every infant receives continuous, personalized, high-quality care. This comprehensive approach sets us apart as a leader in neonatology.
How we approach neonatal care
We specialize in supporting newborns with complex medical needs, extended hospital stays, or health concerns related to prematurity. Our team collaborates closely with your baby’s other care providers to develop a tailored care plan that addresses their specific needs. As your baby transitions between clinical units at Boston Children’s, we ensure they receive the continuous expert care necessary for the best possible recovery and growth.
Our services
Our focused expertise provides comprehensive care from prenatal diagnosis to post-discharge follow-up, supporting your infant’s health and development during their time at Boston Children’s and beyond.
Our services include:
Prenatal collaboration
We understand that the journey for families with medically complex infants can begin well before delivery, so we collaborate closely with our Fetal Care and Surgery Center (FCSC) to ensure a seamless transition to our service once your baby arrives.
Comprehensive assessments
We determine each infant’s unique medical needs by considering their gestational age, birth weight, and specific diagnoses, as well as maternal and fetal history. We also identify the risk of congenital anomalies and other health concerns, such as genetic or heart disorders.
Continuity of care
Our neonatologists coordinate care as high-risk infants move between the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU), Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU), Medical-Surgical Intensive Care Unit (MSICU), and general and sub-specialty floors, ensuring continuity throughout their hospital stay.
Expert guidance
We work closely with your infant’s primary care team to provide consultation and support to help manage the complexities of newborn care.
Family-centered care
We prioritize families at every step, making sure you’re informed, involved, and supported throughout your infant’s care. Learn about support services at Boston Children’s.
Ongoing support
We continue to support your child’s development even after they head home through follow-up care to ensure healthy growth and progress. This includes help with hearing screenings, vaccinations and immunizations, and other routine health care services. Some infants will also follow up in our NICU Growth and Developmental Support Program (NICU GraDS) after discharge from the hospital.