Taking a premature baby or a baby who has special needs home from the hospital is both an exciting and overwhelming adjustment for most parents. As you prepare to take your baby home, you may be thinking of his or her future medical and developmental needs.
The team of specialists in the Neonatal Follow-Up Clinic at Cooper University Health Care provides ongoing, personalized care after your baby’s discharge from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), offering expert guidance to help your baby thrive. We will provide early detection and intervention for your baby's growing needs while providing reassurance for you and your family.
What We Can Provide For You and Your Baby
Our comprehensive clinic services are designed to support your baby’s health, development, and well-being, including:
- Managing the special medical needs of your baby (medications, feeding problems, chronic conditions such as lung disease, apnea monitor care)
- Coordinating appointments and tests with other specialists
- Conducting developmental assessments and intervention to ensure your child's best growth and development through his or her fifth birthday
- Making referrals for visiting nurses, financial support, early intervention programs, assistance with transportation, and programs within your community
If you have already chosen a pediatrician, we can supplement the care of your child with our services.
Your Baby’s Care Team
At each visit, your baby may be seen by members of our multidisciplinary team, which includes:
- Neonatologists and pediatricians – experts in caring for premature infants and babies with complex medical needs
- Nurse practitioner/clinical nurse specialist – Advanced practice nurses who manage your baby’s care of your baby
- Neurodevelopmental specialists – A collaborative team including a neurodevelopmental pediatrician, physical therapist, psychologist and speech/language and feeding therapists who assess your child's motor skills, coordination, language, and feeding
- Social worker – Provides support in navigating community programs, educational resources, care coordination, and financial assistance
What to Expect at Your Visit
Every child’s needs are different, and we tailor each visit to provide the right support for your family. A typical visit includes:
- A complete physical exam
- Weighing and measuring your baby
- Immunizations, if needed
- Developmental and behavioral progress
- Time with appropriate specialists based on your child’s needs
Visit Details
Depending on your child's needs and your concerns, the first visit may be up to 2 hours. Subsequent visits may be 1/2 to 1 hour.
We will work with you to develop a visit schedule to fit your child's needs.
Insurance and Coverage
Most health plans are accepted. However, coverage may depend upon the limits of your specific insurance plan. If you have a managed care plan, a referral from your child's pediatrician may be needed. For insurance-related questions or help with obtaining a referral, please contact us.