Bringing a baby into the world is one of life’s most joyful moments — but when complications arise, having expert care close to home makes all the difference.
At St. Francis Health, families in Northeast Louisiana can expect the highest level of care for both moms and newborns, with a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), a Level III Obstetric (OB) unit and a dedicated Obstetric Emergency Department (OB-ED) — all designed to provide peace of mind during pregnancy, labor and delivery.
Whether a mother experiences a high-risk pregnancy, requires emergency care or welcomes a baby needing extra support, St. Francis Health is uniquely equipped to provide compassionate, expert care at every stage.
The Region’s Only Level III NICU: Life-Saving Care When It’s Needed Most
For babies born prematurely or with serious health conditions, access to advanced neonatal care can be life changing. St. Francis Health is home to the only Level III NICU in Northeast Louisiana, meaning it can provide comprehensive, specialized care for infants born before 32 weeks’ gestation or those requiring complex medical attention after birth.
“Our mission is to provide the highest level of neonatal care while keeping families together; distance shouldn’t separate families,” says Marc de Soler, MD, neonatologist and medical director of the NICU. “We want parents to know that if their baby needs critical care, they don’t have to travel far away, keeping the mother and baby separated for weeks. Our goal is to keep the baby and the mother together. Most of the time, everything they need is right here.”
Led by Dr. de Soler and Carmen Payne, MD, the NICU team includes neonatal nurse practitioners, respiratory therapists, lactation consultants, social workers and a dedicated NICU transport team. Together, they provide round-the-clock care to ensure the best possible outcomes for the region’s most fragile newborns.
When NICU Care Is Needed
Most parents don’t anticipate needing NICU care, but for babies born prematurely or with medical conditions, this specialized support is vital.
The St. Francis NICU is designed to mimic the womb, using advanced technology and monitoring systems that help babies grow and develop. Specially trained nurses and neonatologists adjust each baby’s environment — from temperature and humidity to feeding support — to provide the safest possible transition into the world.
And while technology is crucial, the expertise of the NICU team makes the biggest impact. At St. Francis, NICU nurses undergo several months of specialized training, ensuring they are fully prepared to care for fragile newborns. This extensive training gradually exposes new nurses to the unique challenges faced by neonatal patients — ensuring they are ready for anything.
What sets the St. Francis NICU apart?
- A 35-bed unit staffed with 44 specially trained NICU nurses, four neonatal nurse practitioners and 10 respiratory therapists
- A dedicated NICU transport team that safely transfers newborns from other area hospitals
- A unit-based pharmacist and satellite pharmacy to provide immediate, specialized medication support
- NicView technology, allowing parents to watch their baby via live video when they can’t be at the bedside
- A high-risk pregnancy and childbirth referral center serving families across Northeast Louisiana, as well as parts of Arkansas and Mississippi
Exceptional Maternity Care: Supporting Moms Through All Maternity
At St. Francis Health, world-class care starts well before a baby arrives. As a Level III OB hospital, St. Francis is equipped to handle high-risk pregnancies and complex deliveries, providing a seamless transition for babies who may require NICU care.
The Maternal-Fetal Medicine Clinic provides specialized care for high-risk pregnancies, offering advanced monitoring and expertise for conditions such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, and multiple gestations.
For moms experiencing pregnancy-related emergencies, the Obstetric Emergency Department (OB-ED) at St. Francis is a vital resource. Staffed by specially trained nurse practitioners with support from OB-GYNs, the OB-ED provides 24/7 care for urgent pregnancy concerns, ensuring rapid intervention when it matters most.
Emergencies during pregnancy can be frightening, but a dedicated OB-ED ensures expecting moms have immediate access to expert care, so they never have to worry about where to go.
Recognized for Excellence in Maternal and Infant Care
St. Francis Medical Center is committed to providing the safest, most advanced care for mothers and newborns. That commitment is recognized through two prestigious designations:
- Birth Ready Designation – Awarded by the Louisiana Perinatal Quality Collaborative (LaPQC), this accreditation reflects St. Francis’ dedication to patient safety, evidence-based practices, and continuous quality improvement for maternal and newborn care.
- GIFT Designation (Guided Infant Feeding Techniques) – Recognized by the Louisiana Department of Health, St. Francis is designated as a GIFT hospital, ensuring that new mothers receive comprehensive lactation support, breastfeeding education and the highest quality infant feeding care.
Keeping Families Together with Comprehensive Newborn Care
While some newborns need the advanced support of the NICU, many families experience a healthy, routine delivery — and St. Francis Health is committed to providing the best possible start for every baby.
The Newborn Nursery is staffed with experienced pediatric providers who offer essential screenings, vaccinations and early interventions before babies go home. Lactation consultants are also available to assist new moms with breastfeeding support and education.
St. Francis Health works to ensure all babies – whether they require NICU care or not – get the best possible start in life.
Why Families Choose St. Francis for Maternity and Newborn Care
For more than a century, St. Francis Health has been a trusted leader in caring for families in Northeast Louisiana. With the region’s highest level of OB and NICU care, expert providers and advanced technology, families can rest assured that they’re in the best hands.
From pregnancy through delivery and beyond, St. Francis Health is where Northeast Louisiana families can expect excellence.
We hope your family never needs a NICU, but it’s good to know what’s available — just in case. Across our health system we offer access to the highest quality family-centered care:
- Northeast Louisiana: the region’s only Level III NICU at St. Francis Medical Center
- Greater Baton Rouge and the Northshore: Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital’s Newton & Betsy Thomas Family Center for Newborn & Infant Intensive Care
- Acadiana: Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s & Children’s Hospital’s Level III Surgical NICU
- Greater Jackson: St. Dominic Hospital’s NICU
