The region’s largest neonatology program

In the NICUs and neonatology programs of Children’s Minnesota, amazing things happen. Because we are built for it.

Our neonatal team of nearly 500 doctors, surgeons and pediatric specialists is the largest in Minnesota—and one of the largest in the country. With nearly 200 neonatal beds in our hospitals and special care nurseries, we welcome nearly 3,000 newborns every year. Also, in collaboration with the Michael and Ann Ciresi Midwest Fetal Care Center, we provide life-saving care to babies with high-risk conditions before they’re even born.

Equipped to treat the most high-risk newborns

Children’s Minnesota provides Level IV neonatal care. As a Level IV NICU – the highest level designated by The American Academy of Pediatrics – we have the in-house expertise and experience to care for the most complex and critically ill newborns. We also offer:

• 500+ neonatal care experts including neonatologists, neonatal nurse practitioners who are supported by the largest network of pediatric specialists in the Upper Midwest.
• 24/7 NICU coverage by neonatologists and neonatal nurse practitioners.
• 500+ babies transported annually by the Neonatal Transport Team. Babies are transported by helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and specialized critical care ground transportation.
• 24/7 neonatal virtual care for regional community hospitals, a technology that allows critical audio/video consultations during stabilization of newborns.
• Surgery facilities recognized as the best (Level 1) by the American College of Surgeons – the only hospital system in Minnesota to have this verification for a pediatric hospital.
• A focus on research to help babies go home healthy. Some of the most important discoveries in neonatal care, from treatments for breathing problems to brain damage to kangaroo care, were tested at Children’s Minnesota before they were adopted around the world.

Also, Children’s Minnesota partners with other community health care systems to provide a high level of care for newborns in a setting close to home. Developed and operated in collaboration with Children’s Minnesota neonatologists and neonatal nurse practitioners, the Ridgeview Medical Center Neonatal Care Unit in Waconia features seven private rooms with the capability to care for up to 13 infants at a time.

At the St. Francis Regional Medical Center in Shakopee, the St. Francis Family Birth Place offers a Level 2 Special Care Nursery staffed 24/7 by neonatal nurse practitioners affiliated with Children’s Minnesota.

Watch the tour video to get a peek inside our neonatal program.