West Valley Hospital offers Level II nursery

Aimee Dobson, director of marketing for West Valley Hospital in Goodyear, submitted this News by You item.

If you happen to be a patient or a visitor at West Valley Hospital and you hear a lullaby being played over the intercom system, you can be sure of one thing. A baby was born.

Of course, a lullaby is not really an enticement for parents-to-be when considering a hospital for the birth of a baby. However, the fact that West Valley Hospital now has a Level II nursery is definitely an added incentive.

West Valley Hospital's Level II nursery provides care for babies born at 32 weeks gestation or greater, and for those who need close supervision or extra help after birth. The nursery staff dedicated to caring for these babies consists of registered nurses who are specially trained in Level II Care, neonatal nurse practitioners, neonatologists, and pediatric primary-care providers.

"We are really excited about our Level II certification," says Ellie Milo, director of women and infant services. "Being able to provide this additional level of care demonstrates our commitment to the health-care needs of the communities we serve."

Some times, babies in a Level II nursery may need monitoring for apnea, IVs, special medications, an incubator or other assistance to maintain their body temperatures or nourishment intake. Level II staff work closely with families, teaching them about any special procedure or medication their babies may need at home.

Most babies born several weeks early will spend some time in a Level II nursery for observation. Babies with more-serious conditions may need to be transferred to a hospital with a higher-levels care unit.

For more information about Women and Infant Services at West Valley Hospital, call 623-882-1920.

To register for a birthing center tour or to sign up for classes ranging from childbirth preparation, infant care, breast feeding and sibling preparation, call 888-669-3444.