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The NewYork-Presbyterian Neonatal Comfort Care Program is a neonatal palliative care service designed to make babies with life-limiting conditions or terminal illnesses as comfortable as possible. Our compassionate, multidisciplinary team of experts is here to support families from diagnosis through birth and beyond by creating a unique medical plan that follows the natural course of each baby’s life.
The Neonatal Comfort Care Program, provided at NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital and NewYork-Presbyterian Komansky Children’s Hospital, is available to you when there are no medical and surgical treatments available to help your baby recover. We offer a newborn care plan to provide a comfortable and loving environment for your infant.
Our Approach to Care
At NewYork-Presbyterian’s Neonatal Comfort Care Program, your baby’s comfort is at the center of our care. We also understand that families facing their babies’ life-limiting diagnoses may feel shocked, frightened, confused, and need a great deal of support during and after the pregnancy.
Family-centered care
Our goal is to provide family-centered care to meet the unique needs of the patient and family. We are constantly assessing the needs of the patient and family as they evolve throughout their stay. We create a safe space for the family to build memories, bond, cope, and feel supported through our programs and services while keeping the baby comfortable.
Continuity of care
From the moment of diagnosis through birth and beyond, the baby, parents, and family are embraced and accompanied on their perinatal journey by a compassionate and dedicated interdisciplinary team. The same physician and team members provide continuity of care to the baby and family throughout each step of the journey.
Our Team
The Neonatal Comfort Care Program provides an interdisciplinary approach that is flexible and focused on life, allowing for support and compassionate healing for families. Our team is comprised of many disciplines dedicated to meeting patients’ and families’ needs during this difficult time. All staff members are trained in providing comfort care measures, emotional support, and helping to facilitate legacy building.
The members of the Neonatal Comfort Care Program team include:
- A clinical care coordinator will meet with you to explain the program’s services to ensure your baby’s comfort and support for your family
- The medical director/neonatologist will meet with you to discuss your baby’s condition and plan of care after delivery. They will also facilitate the discussion regarding your pregnancy and delivery plan management with your obstetrician.
- A social worker will meet with you to let you know about available resources to help you celebrate your baby’s life and collect memories. The social worker will also help coordinate your preferences while in the hospital and help connect you with community resources.
- A child life specialist will meet with you to provide support to your baby and your family, including sibling support and memory-making
- Pastoral care is available to meet with you to provide spiritual and emotional support for you and your family
- Other team members include nurses, occupational and physical therapists, music therapists, occupational/physical therapists, speech pathologists, and lactation consultants
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Catholic Neonatologist Wins Award for Exemplary Medical Care of Most Fragile, Vulnerable Babies
Notre Dame’s de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture honors Dr. Elvira Parravicini, who tells moms and dads, ‘My mission is to save your baby’s life. But no matter what, I am walking with your baby, you and your family. I will not abandon you.’
Catholic Neonatologist Wins Award for Exemplary Medical Care of Most Fragile, Vulnerable Babies
