Maternal and Neonatal Transport
Saint Joseph Health System Mishawaka Medical Center is ready to help you through the unexpected. Our Maternal and Neonatal transport teams safely transfer high-risk obstetric patients and at-risk babies to Mishawaka Medical Center where they can receive Level III obstetric or neonatal care.
Maternal Transport
- Emergency transport for high-risk obstetric patients to Mishawaka Medical Center.
- Available transport team includes a nurse trained and certified in high-risk obstetric care and a respiratory therapist.
- Level III obstetric care provided on arrival with Maternal Fetal Medicine and obstetric hospitalist physicians.
What to expect
We understand that being transferred to Mishawaka Medical Center can be stressful. That’s why we want to alleviate any fears by addressing additional questions you may have prior to arrival. Even in the most unexpected circumstances, we are ready to provide the highest level of care for you and your baby.
Expert staff
Our nurses, providers and entire staff consider it
a calling to care for mothers and babies. At SJHS, we provide our employees with access to leading healthcare to enable them to deliver the highest quality care. Our facility and our staff are well-equipped and trained to accommodate high-risk births.
Maternal Fetal Medicine
Our Maternal Fetal Medicine services offer a higher level of specialized care for high-risk expectant mothers. This includes comprehensive fetal evaluation and management of maternal health issues. We have an on-site Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist who can assist in managing the care of high-risk mothers.
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)
A registered nurse with advanced education in the care of neonates, the NNP works under the neonatologists’ supervision to provide medical care, perform procedures and guide your infant's care.
OB/GYN Laborist Program
Our Laborist Program offers patients with emergent needs access to immediate consultations and advanced care, including delivery assistance. This program, the first of its kind in Northern Indiana, consists of board-certified OB/GYNs who are onsite 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our Laborist Program does not change the relationship between you and your regular OB/GYN physician, but rather supplements care when it is most needed. Additionally, we have a dedicated anesthesiologist 24 hours a day.
Fetal monitoring
During the labor process, fetal monitoring is used to check the heart rate of your baby and track your contractions. Our nurses understand the importance of your peace of mind during this time. To ensure our expertise, all of our OB nurses obtain specialized training and Electronic Fetal Monitoring Certification. We are proud to set the standard for OB care in our community.
Nursing
Mishawaka Medical Center nurses are specially trained to provide individualized care promoting safety and comfort. Nurses are trained in alternative labor techniques and will offer the type of support you need most. Our nurses are committed to promoting evidence-based practices, including breastfeeding, rooming-in with infant and skin-to-skin contact for the first hour of life for both vaginal and cesarean deliveries.
Neonatology
A neonatologist offers specialized care for premature or newborns needing extra care. SJHS offers access to a neonatologist 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Either a neonatologist or a neonatal nurse practitioner is available to be present during high-risk births.
Neonatal Transport
- Emergency transport for at-risk babies to the Level III NICU at Mishawaka Medical Center.
- Transport team includes a neonatologist or neonatal nurse practitioner, a NICU nurse and a respiratory therapist.
- Level III neonatal care provided upon arrival.
NICU Newborn Transport Ambulance
The NICU Newborn Transport Ambulance is designed to provide at-risk babies transportation from area hospitals, birthing centers and homes to the Level III NICU at Mishawaka Medical Center. During all newborn transports, a highly specialized team accompanies the babies needing extra care, including a neonatologist or nurse practitioner, a NICU nurse and a respiratory therapist.
A dedicated team
Expert care is provided around the clock by a team of experts. In addition to our board-certified neonatologists on-call 24/7, your baby is cared for by nurse practitioners, nurses and respiratory therapists who specialize in the care of sick and premature newborns.
Neonatologist
A physician with advanced education who specializes in the care of neonates, especially those who are born premature and/or sick. He/she manages the care your infant receives.
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)
A registered nurse with advanced education in the care of neonates. The NNP works under the neonatologists’ supervision to provide medical care, perform procedures and guide your infant’s care.
NICU Registered Nurse (RN)
A specially educated registered nurse who provides the bedside care for your infant 24/7. He/she also provides you with support and education and helps you bond with your infant.
NICU Nurse Manager
An RN with NICU and management experience who oversees the staff and daily activities of the unit. She is available to meet with you regarding any special needs or concerns you may have.
Respiratory Therapist
A medical therapist specially educated to assess and care for your infant’s respiratory needs. He/she provides and monitors any respiratory support and equipment your infant requires.
Occupational/Physical/Speech Therapists
Medical therapists specially educated to assess and care for your infant’s feeding and developmental needs. They develop individualized plans to meet your baby’s specific needs.
Case Manager/Social Worker
A person skilled in assisting with many additional aspects of caring for your baby. He/she may help you schedule conferences to obtain medical information from your doctor, inform you of programs available to meet your specific needs and guide you through available community resources.
Lactation Consultant
A person with specialized education in all aspects of breastfeeding. She provides education, guidance and support.
Chaplain
A person specially educated to help care for you and your family’s spiritual needs. He/she regularly visits the unit to offer support to families and prayer and blessings for the babies. He/she is also available 24/7 for spiritual guidance, comfort and ceremonies such as Baptism.
Call 574.335.5000 for SJHS Maternal and Neonatal Transport.