Around
9 to 13 percent
of newborns in the U.S. require care in neonatal intensive care units
(NICUs), with many born prematurely before 37 weeks. In
2023,
the March of Dimes reported
that 10.4 percent of all U.S. births were preterm. In Philadelphia, the
preterm birth rate was even higher, reaching 11.2 percent.
Temple Health
has cared for hundreds of babies in neonatal intensive care at its main
campus on North Broad Street, but it is about to raise the bar by opening
the region’s only hospital dedicated exclusively to the health of women and
families.
The soon-to-open hospital, Temple Women & Families, located at 1331 E.
Wyoming Avenue in Juniata Park, will feature a state-of-the-art neonatal
intensive care unit (NICU) that combines advanced medical technology with a
compassionate, family-centered approach.
Provided Courtesy/Temple Health
At Temple’s NICU, the “Eat, Sleep, Console” model is built around the concept of calm environments and parental involvement, promoting faster healing and improved outcomes.
A family-centered environment
The NICU at Temple Women & Families will offer over 40 beds in an
environment that promotes family bonding, supports the recovery of infants
who require specialized medical care, and provides dedicated areas for
parents to rest and recharge without leaving their baby’s side.
“A controlled environment with increased parental involvement in the NICU
leads to better long-term developmental outcomes for at-risk infants,” said
Colleen Moran, Temple Health’s associate vice president of nursing
administration.
Designed with a focus on stress reduction
The new NICU will include quiet areas, soft lighting, and a soothing
atmosphere that minimizes stress–all part of the trauma-informed design. And
with semi-private rooms, families can remain close to their babies, allowing
them to develop caregiving rhythms and build confidence in their parenting
skills.
“When parents are present in a calm environment, they naturally learn to
recognize their baby’s cues — such as hunger or stress — which builds
confidence as they prepare to care for their baby at home,” said Caitlynne
Crowley, associate director of the Infant Intensive Care Nursery.
By creating a calm, supportive environment for both babies and their
families, the new NICU will ensure that every aspect of care promotes
healing, confidence, and readiness for life beyond the hospital.
Provided Courtesy/Temple Health
Baby O is thriving today after she received care in the NICU at Temple Health and went home early at 38 weeks.
A holistic care model
This family-first approach is central to the holistic care model that Temple
Women & Families will follow. Holistic care means addressing all aspects
of an infant’s well-being, not just their medical conditions.
A key feature of this model is the “Eat, Sleep, Console” approach, which
prioritizes supporting babies’ natural behaviors. This method accelerates
recovery and promotes healthier outcomes.
Additionally, Temple Women & Families’ NICU will encourage skin-to-skin
contact between parents and babies. This practice helps regulate newborns’
heart rates, breathing, and temperatures, while also strengthening the
emotional bonds between parents and their infants.
Ongoing support for families
Consistent with Temple Health’s long-standing approach to care, the new NICU
will continue to connect families with pediatric care and community
resources to support their transition home.
To help ensure that all families receive the necessary guidance and
resources, the NICU will have bilingual staff and provide translation
services. Educational materials are available in multiple languages,
covering important topics like medical procedures, caregiving techniques,
and developmental milestones. This is especially vital in Philadelphia,
where nearly one in four residents speak a language other than English.
Additionally, on-site support services, including social workers, will
assist families with applying for the Pennsylvania Special Supplemental
Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), as well as
offering help with lactation support, transportation, and housing needs.
The onsite WIC office is set to open in early February.
Redefining NICU care
When Temple Women & Families NICU opens, it will expand access to vital
neonatal care in Philadelphia, offering families a supportive,
patient-centered environment that fosters bonding, builds confidence, and
aids recovery. To learn more,
visit templehealth.org.
