Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Inova Loudoun Hospital
Inova Loudoun Hospital's new 24-bed expanded Level III NICU opened in April 2020 and is Loudoun County’s highest level NICU. It provides around-the-clock observation and care for premature and sick infants as young as 28 weeks.
Board-certified neonatologists, neonatal nurse practitioners (NNPs), respiratory therapists, physical therapists, speech-language therapists, lactation consultants and dietitians offer expert care and educational and emotional support for families.
Services
- Care for newborn infants as young as 28 weeks old
- Around-the-clock team of highly experienced multi-disciplinary pediatric professionals
- Board-certified neonatologists – the same group of physicians that provide care at Inova Children's Hospital and Inova Fair Oaks Hospital NICUs
- Neonatal nurse practitioners
- Registered nurses board certified in neonatal intensive care
- Respiratory therapists
- Board-certified lactation consultants
- Educational and emotional support for families
- NICU Follow-Up Clinic
Facility Features
Our new NICU opened in April 2020 and is nearly triple in size. Family-friendly features and amenities include:
- Private rooms with overnight accommodations for parents
- 2 NICU Pods for babies requiring constant observation
- Dedicated rooms for nutrition, medication and consultations
- Dedicated respiratory therapy services within the unit
- NICU Family Lounge with computer work stations, a microwave, refrigerator and lockers
- Family Transition Room: A safe and supportive space where parents and infants can spend the night before discharge
VIDEO: The NICU at Inova Loudoun Hospital fosters a special sense of family
Family Support Program
Since having a child in the NICU can be a difficult experience, we have partnered with the March of Dimes to provide enhanced educational information to families of premature babies and newborns with medical conditions. The Inova Loudoun Hospital NICU is proud to be one of only four hospitals in the state of Virginia to offer this program.
The program includes free written materials and videos – available in both English and Spanish – about terminology, frequently asked questions and what to expect during discharge.
The My NICU Baby™ App is also available for download which provides information and education to help during and after a NICU stay.
Sibshops
Sibshops is a Child Life program for siblings (ages 3 to 12) of newborns who are in Inova Loudoun Hospital's NICU and have special medical needs.
Workshops are designed to offer peer support and education to siblings in a relaxed environment. Through games, activities and play that are facilitated by a Child Life Specialist, participants will:
- Learn about their sibling's medical needs
- Prepare for a facilitated visit with their sibling when appropriate
- Learn how others cope with commonly experienced medical issues
The workshop also allows for parents to enjoy uninterrupted, quality time with their newborn in the NICU.
Sibshops are offered the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month from 1 to 4 p.m. To register, please contact Child Life Specialist Meghan Kenison at 703-858-6544.
Cuddlers Program
Nurturing touch can have a powerful effect on an infant’s physical and mental development and its ability to recover from illness. Our volunteer NICU cuddlers support families when they’re unable to be with their infant(s). Their primary role is to provide contact and interaction with the infant, through hugging, holding, rocking, singing and talking. Our volunteer NICU cuddlers have gone through extensive classroom and bedside training, maintain strict handwashing and infection control practices and adhere to all hospital policies.
Thanks to the community for your overwhelming response supporting our Cuddler Program. Unfortunately, at this time we don't need any additional volunteers and our wait list is full.
NICU Follow-up Clinic
Our NICU graduates and their families have access to the Inova Loudoun Outpatient Specialty Rehabilitation Center’s (OSRC) NICU Follow-Up Clinic. The goal of this program is to facilitate proper child development, prevent further complications and assist families in achieving their maximum potential.
NICU Follow-Up Clinic: Download printable brochure 
Through regular assessments and treatment, the OSRC team will ensure that parents and their babies are equipped with the necessary tools and resources for continued growth and development. They utilize a family-centered approach, empowering parents to take a proactive role in their child’s healthcare plan. Caregivers and children will work regularly with skilled occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech therapists, lactation specialists and nutritionists. The program addresses the following common concerns:
- Inability to calm
- Poor latch with bottle or breast
- Noisy feeding
- Poor weight gain
- Asymmetrical facial features
- Craniofacial anomalies
- Abnormal facial/oral muscle tone
- Prolonged feeding times
- Feeding refusals
- Difficulty coordinating suck, swallow and/or breathing patterns
- Excessive reflux
- Difficulty settling at breast
- Difficulty tolerating positions other than upright
- Hyper-alert
- Poor sleep habits
- Constant gaze aversion
- Right or left gaze preference
- Asymmetrical head shape
- Increased colic
For more information about the NICU Follow-Up Clinic or to contact the OSRC, please call 703-858-6667.
Annual NICU Family Reunion
A child born at Inova Loudoun Ladies Board Birthing Inn becomes a member of our family. Each year, we look forward to our annual NICU family reunion when we welcome NICU graduates and their families back to the hospital for a celebration with staff and other families. This event is typically held in September.
A Labor of Love: New NICU
To meet the needs of its ever-growing community, Inova Loudoun Hospital is expanding its facilities and services. The hospital’s Master Plan expansion will ensure that Loudouners always have access to high-quality care, advanced technology and state-of-the-art healthcare facilities – close to home.
Click on an image above to take a virtual tour of a private NICU room and NICU Pod.
