Mother-Baby Health
 | Key Takeaways |
- El Camino Health offers Level II NICU care in Los Gatos and Level III NICU care in Mountain View, with advanced, family-centered support for newborns.
- Our experienced NICU specialists use leading technology to compassionately care for premature and ill babies.
- Parents have access to private spaces, mental health resources and around-the-clock support to stay connected and informed during their baby’s NICU stay.
What Is Family-Centered NICU Care?
Our NICU experts care for your baby’s medical needs while keeping you closely involved in every aspect of their healing. We surround you with expertise, compassion and resources to make this experience easier for your whole family.
We encourage you to bond with your baby as much as possible — holding, touching and talking to them throughout their stay. To ease your family’s experience, we provide:
- Breastfeeding support from international board-certified lactation consultants
- Emotional support services
- Connections to community resources
- Guidance with insurance questions
Some additional programs, including a breastmilk kitchen and 24/7 Angel Eye camera access, are available at our Mountain View campus.
Baby-Friendly® Designated Hospitals
El Camino Health’s Mountain View Hospital and Los Gatos Hospital are Baby-Friendly® designated facilities, an international recognition that honors hospitals committed to supporting breastfeeding, mother-baby bonding and evidence-based maternity care.
This designation reflects our commitment to helping families and newborns get the healthiest start possible. Our care teams follow practices that encourage early bonding and provide expert breastfeeding support during your hospital stay.
At our Baby-Friendly® hospitals, families can expect:
- Early skin-to-skin contact whenever possible
- Rooming-in, allowing babies to stay with parents during recovery
- Access to lactation consultants and specially trained maternity and NICU nurses
- Education and guidance to help parents feel confident caring for their newborn
These practices support healthy development and strengthen the bond between parents and their babies.
Specialized NICU Support for Your Baby
While in the NICU, your baby will receive specialized care to support their growth, including:
- Respiratory care – Advanced therapies and ventilator technology for newborns with breathing challenges
- Neurologic development – Developmental therapies and monitoring to nurture early brain growth, including the Reach Out and Read program at our Mountain View campus
- Healing environment – Advanced warmers and incubators, along with private rooms designed to reduce noise and give parents space to bond
A Look Inside Our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
We understand how difficult it can be when you can’t take your newborn home right away. Our family centered care approach integrates families as critical members of the infant’s care team. And it is our mission to support you each step of the way.
Our Mountain View NICU
In collaboration with Stanford Medicine, our award-winning Level III NICU at Mountain View Hospital provides high-quality, compassionate care for your baby. A Level III designation means our specialists have advanced training and technology to treat complex newborn conditions.
Your baby will have access to a wide range of neonatal care experts, specialized imaging and therapies. Our team includes neonatologists, pediatric specialists, nurses, dietitians, therapists, lactation consultants and dedicated pharmacists. They work with you to create a personalized plan for your baby, making sure you’re included in care decisions and updates.
We understand that having a baby in the NICU can feel overwhelming. To support you, we offer a dedicated parent lounge with private showers, sleep accommodations and a kitchen so you can stay close throughout your baby’s stay. We also offer a NICU parent mental health program with counseling, classes, support groups and check-ins.
As a designated Baby-Friendly® Hospital, our Mountain View NICU supports breastfeeding whenever possible. You’ll find private spaces and compassionate staff who make it easy to stay close and bond with your baby during their stay.
Our Los Gatos NICU
At Los Gatos Hospital, our Level II NICU offers advanced, family-centered care for premature or ill newborns. This level of care can support babies born after 32 weeks or those with moderate health needs. We use specialized monitoring, therapies and the latest technology to keep your baby safe.
As a designated Baby-Friendly® Hospital, our Los Gatos NICU supports breastfeeding whenever possible. You’ll find private spaces and compassionate staff who make it easy to stay close and bond with your baby during their stay.
Visiting the NICU
Your baby’s safety is our highest priority. We allow two visitors to the NICU at a time (one must be a parent). View our Visitors Information for the latest information.
Our Strength. Your Health.
Ashley trusted El Camino Health with the unexpected early delivery of her twins. Today, she has three toddlers and loves the small moments with her family that make life special.
People Also Ask
How do I know if my baby will need the NICU?
Babies may need the NICU if they are born early, experience breathing difficulties, have a low birth weight, develop infections or have other medical needs. Your care team will tell you more when they recommend NICU support and help you prepare.
How long will my baby stay in the NICU?
Length of stay depends on your baby’s condition. Some stay a few days, while others need weeks of care. Your baby’s team will give you daily progress updates and discuss next steps.
What should I bring while my baby is in the NICU?
You may want personal items like comfortable clothing, toiletries, snacks and items for bonding, such as books to read aloud. We’ll provide any care essentials for your baby.
Will insurance cover NICU care?
Most insurance plans cover NICU services, but coverage varies by plan. Our financial counselors can help you navigate insurance questions before and during your baby’s stay.
Neonatal intensive care services are supported by donations to El Camino Health Foundation. Funding for the NICU mental health support program is provided by the El Camino Healthcare District.