Newborn Intensive Care and NICUs
Newborn Intensive Care and NICUs
Specialized Support for Life’s Earliest Moments
Your baby’s health is our highest priority. Babies who are born premature or with medical issues receive expert care at St. Luke’s Newborn Intensive Care Units (NICUs), where our board certified neonatologists, neonatal nurse practitioners, and dedicated nurses are here for you and your baby—anytime, day and night.
Care is also supported by a wide variety of additional experts including pediatric specialty physicians in areas such as cardiology, neurology, nephrology, and genetics; dietitians to manage nutrition; respiratory therapists to assist with breathing concerns; speech-language pathologists to address swallowing issues; physical and occupational therapists to care for muscle and skill development; and pharmacists to monitor medications. You'll also have access to supportive services through our care coordination, social work and spiritual care teams. Together, our entire team is committed to ensuring your baby gets the best start in life.
We'll track developmental milestones, address concerns early, and provide the guidance and resources needed to help your child thrive.
NICU Levels of Care at St. Luke's
Level 4: St. Luke's Children's Hospital in Boise
Idaho's largest and most experienced NICU with board-certified neonatologists on site 24/7 immediate care working with a broad array of pediatric surgical and medical subspecialists.
Virtually every newborn with an emergency or long-term need can be cared for in the Children's Hospital NICU, which provides highest level of neonatal care, with the exception of heart surgery and heart-lung bypass.
Level 3: St. Luke's Magic Valley in Twin Falls
This NICU offers complex care by the same group of neonatal doctors and nurse practitioners as our Boise NICU. These doctors and nurses are on site 24/7.
Some infants with more serious or long-term illnesses, complex medical issues, or extreme prematurity will be transported to the Boise NICU for more specialized medical or surgical care.
Level 2: St. Luke's Meridian and Nampa
These NICUs care for infants with medical issues that are considered moderate, stable, or expected to resolve quickly. Care may include IV feedings and infusions, tube feedings, or oxygen and noninvasive respiratory support.
These units care for infants who are 8 weeks premature or less. The same providers who staff our Boise NICU are on site or on call at Meridian and Nampa.
Providing Hope for NICU Families
The Hall of Hope includes a display of digital photos directly outside the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in associated St. Luke's facilities. If your baby had a NICU stay with us, we invite you to add your NICU photo, a recent photo, and a short story to share hope for parents with babies currently in the NICU.
Additional Support
NICU Infant Nutrition
St. Luke's provides donor human milk (DHM) to at-risk infants when a mother's milk is unavailable or insufficient. DHM is considered the gold standard for their nutritional care.
DHM is obtained from facilities accredited by the Human Banking Association of North America (HMBANA).
Parent Support and Advocacy
Our NICU social workers and nurses can help connect you with support and advocacy groups for parents of NICU babies.
- Boise: (208) 381-3254 or (208) 381-7673
- Magic Valley: (208) 814-3620
- Meridian: (208) 706-1565
- Nampa: (208) 205-7199
Safe Transport in Idaho and Beyond
We work closely with children's hospitals around the western United States who can provide higher levels of care.
Our dedicated Air St. Luke's maternal-child transport team provides safe transport when infants require care out of state. They also transport babies to the Boise NICU from surrounding areas, and transfer babies from Boise to the Magic Valley, Meridian and Nampa NICUs to bring them closer to home as their conditions improve.
Related Programs and Resources
NICU Family Advisory Council
Parents and family members with NICU experience at St. Luke’s often want to support others—these caring individuals make up our Family Advisory Council.
Human Milk Donation Centers
St. Luke’s offers convenient drop-off sites for breast milk donation, making it easy to give this valuable gift. These centers serve as a bridge between donors and community milk banks.
Breastfeeding Resources
Lactation specialists and nurses are available every day in our mother and baby care units to help you get started and answer any questions.
Support Beyond the NICU
Clinic
St. Luke's Children's NICU Follow-up Clinic: Boise
Accepting New PatientsMon - Fri: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Clinic
St. Luke's Children's Multispecialty: Twin Falls
Accepting New PatientsMon - Fri: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Highlights & Resources
PhilanthropyBringing 'love and light,' St. Luke's NICU volunteer celebrates 95th birthday with team
“It is so fulfilling, because you are helping people, making them happy, making their day better,” Molnar said. “And that makes me happy.”
Community Health & EngagementGiving back: On special day, former NICU mom helps St. Luke's families with gift bags
Mother wanted to give back to St. Luke's NICU
Support the Kids and Families at St. Luke’s Children’s
You Can Make a Difference
You can make a real difference to kids and families facing medical challenges. We hope you’ll help us provide the exceptional healthcare these kids deserve. We encourage you to get involved by making a financial gift, sponsoring or attending events, or volunteering your time.
