You are encouraged to parent your baby as much as possible throughout his or her stay in the NICU at St. John's Mercy, at any time. Such visits are a valuable opportunity for the NICU staff to teach and explain equipment and procedures to you.

Parents and grandparents are welcome at any time; however, we may ask you to leave for short periods when the staff changes shifts or performs certain procedures. (Shift changes occur daily from 7 to 7:30 a.m., 3 to 3:30 p.m. and 7 to 7:30 p.m. Please refrain from visiting during these times if possible.)

To maintain the best possible environment for your infant, please carefully read our NICU Visitation Guidelines located in the back of this booklet. We ask that each visitor wash their hands and complete a Wellness Questionnaire before each visit. Your baby's nurse will explain these procedures to you during your first visit.

Relatives and friends, 14 years and older, are welcome to visit with your permission. Visitors are to be accompanied by one of the infant's parents. We ask that you limit visitors to no more than two individuals at any time. Visitation may be limited if a medical emergency arises.

All siblings, 2 years and older, are invited to visit the NICU at any time, but must be accompanied by a parent. Be sure to check in with the baby's nurse before siblings enter the NICU to complete an illness questionnaire. Please note: There may be times when it is necessary to limit sibling visitation.

If you have any questions about visitation, please contact the family support coordinator or nurse manager at 314-251-6450.

© 2008 St. John's Mercy Health Care
615 S. New Ballas Rd., St. Louis, Missouri, 63141