{"id":4815,"date":"2021-08-12T21:55:10","date_gmt":"2021-08-13T02:55:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lsom.uthscsa.edu\/stage-pediatrics\/?page_id=4815"},"modified":"2026-06-12T13:16:40","modified_gmt":"2026-06-12T18:16:40","slug":"who-is-caring-for-my-baby","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/lsom.uthscsa.edu\/pediatrics\/divisions\/neonatology\/clinical-services\/who-is-caring-for-my-baby\/","title":{"rendered":"Who is Caring for My Baby?"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_column_text css=””]Neonatologists
\n<\/strong>A neonatologist is a doctor with advanced training in the care of premature and sick newborns. All of our neonatologists are board-certified in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine. Our doctors are also teachers at UT San Antonio. University Hospital is a teaching hospital. Your baby will have resident physicians and medical students assisting with the medical care, however a neonatologist is always present and supervising at all times.<\/p>\n

Neonatal Nurse Practitioners (NNPs)
\n<\/strong>Neonatal nurse practitioners are nurses with advanced training that treat premature infants and work independently with a supervising neonatologist.<\/p>\n

Neonatal Hospitalists
\n<\/strong>A hospitalist is a physician who supports the neonatology team in the care of your baby.<\/p>\n

Neonatal Physician Assistant
\n<\/strong>A physician assistant works under the supervision of the neonatologist to help care for your baby.<\/p>\n

Neonatal Nurse
\n<\/strong>A neonatal nurse has special training in caring for premature and other sick infants. They are often the most hands-on care provider at your baby’s bedside.<\/p>\n

Respiratory Therapist
\n<\/strong>A therapist that specializes in the delivery of various respiratory therapies in the NICU.  This includes ventilators (respirators), oxygen equipment, and breathing medications.<\/p>\n

Physical Therapist
\n<\/strong>A therapist that specializes in improving muscle strength, range of motion, coordination, and other motor skills for premature infants.<\/p>\n

Occupational Therapist
\n<\/strong>A therapist that specializes in sensory development, fine motor skills, and feeding techniques for premature infants.<\/p>\n

Speech Therapist
\n<\/strong>A therapist that specializes in speech development that works with infants in our NICU to help overcome challenging feeding problems.<\/p>\n

Lactation Consultant
\n<\/strong>A healthcare professional that is an expert in breastfeeding and can help mothers with various breastfeeding issues.<\/p>\n

Registered Neonatal Dietitian
\n<\/strong>A registered dietitian has special education and training in nutrition. Our neonatal dietitian works with the doctors and nurses to make sure that your baby’s nutritional needs are being met regardless of your baby’s diagnosis.<\/p>\n

Social Workers
\n<\/strong>Professionals that assist parents with issues such as insurance, follow-up appointments, referrals to community services, and emotional support.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″]