NICU Follow-Up Program
Babies who are born early or who are in the NICU for an extended period often face challenges in infancy and childhood in areas such as language, movement, learning or behavior. The Mount Sinai NICU Follow-up Program works closely with families both in the NICU and beyond to provide support and coordination of care. We help make sure your child has the medical and emotional support they need and our experienced team will also work closely with your family to help your child reach their highest potential.
The NICU Follow-up Program is part of the Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital. We screen and evaluate all infants at risk for neurodevelopmental delays and create an individual plan for each child. Once your child leaves the hospital, you will have follow up visits with the NICU Follow-up team approximately every six months. Your child will be assessed at each visit in areas including: speech, movement, cognition, socio-emotional development, growth, and nutrition. We strive to identify challenges your child may face as early as possible, so we can provide therapy and support as needed to maximize your child’s development.
We collaborate with other divisions within Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital to provide multidisciplinary care including:
- Comprehensive Neuromuscular Care Clinic
- Pediatric Chronic Lung Care Program
- Pediatric Aerodigestive Program
- Mount Sinai Children’s Heart Center
- Plagiocephaly Program
What to Expect at the First Appointment?
Your child’s first appointment will be scheduled within the first few months following discharge home from the NICU. Visits typically occur every six months, however, this can vary based on your family’s needs. Each visit will include:
- A comprehensive physical examination and history
- Nutrition education and recommendations for optimal growth
- Evaluation for Early Intervention services
- Coordination of care with your child’s pediatrician and sub-specialists
- Assessment for additional support services to families
Conditions We Treat
We recommend enrollment in the NICU Follow-up Program for all children with:
- Gestational age less than 33 weeks
- Birth weight less than 1500 grams (3.3 pounds)
- Complex Congenital Heart Disease
- Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy
- Other significant perinatal events
Team Approach
Support for the Whole Family
Our multidisciplinary team includes:
- Neonatologists
- Psychologists
- Pediatric social workers
- Pediatric therapists
- Dieticians
The Mount Sinai Neonatal follow-up Program is led by Dr. Bragg and three of Mount Sinai’s Neonatologists Dr. Mennella, Dr. Krishna and Dr. Bernard. Through the family-centered approach our team will work closely with the families, primary care physicians and other specialties to ensure proper growth and development.
At age 2, a member of our team will administer the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, a comprehensive assessment of your child’s speech, movement and cognition. This assessment provides information that may be helpful as your child transitions out of the follow-up program.