Can I stay with my baby in the NICU?

Parents are actively involved in their baby's care. The neonatal team will explain the unit's routine and how much time and contact is possible given your baby's condition.

Can I breastfeed a baby in the NICU?

In most cases yes, and where direct feeding is not yet possible the team supports expressing so your baby still receives your milk.

How long do babies usually stay?

It depends entirely on why the baby was admitted and how they respond. The neonatal team gives you an updated picture as your baby progresses rather than a fixed date at the start.

Do you accept babies born at another hospital?

Enquiries are assessed case by case depending on the baby's condition and unit availability. Contact the hospital directly so the neonatal team can advise.

NICU & Newborn Care

NICU and Newborn Care in Lusaka

Our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit provides specialised care for premature and high-risk newborns. With modern incubators and experienced neonatal nurses, babies who need closer observation are cared for in the same hospital where they were born.

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Why a baby is admitted to NICU

Some babies need more support than a postnatal room can give — because they were born early, because they are small, because breathing or feeding needs help, or because they need close observation after a difficult birth.

Premature birth
Low birth weight
Breathing difficulty after birth
Feeding difficulty or unstable temperature
Observation after a complicated delivery

Care inside the unit

Babies are cared for in incubators with continuous monitoring by neonatal nurses, with medical review and feeding support. Parents are part of the care, not visitors to it: you are kept informed and involved in feeding and contact as your baby's condition allows.

Born here, cared for here

Because maternity, theatre and the neonatal unit are in one hospital, a baby who needs neonatal care after delivery does not have to be transferred to another facility to receive it.

Going home

Discharge happens when your baby is feeding, gaining weight and stable. Before you go home you are shown what to watch for and given a follow-up plan for weight checks and review.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ask us about newborn care

Send us a short message on WhatsApp and our team will reply. Your details stay with the hospital.

Related care

Questions about neonatal care?

Speak to our team about maternity and neonatal care in Lusaka.

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