Roper St. Francis

NICU and newborn care

At Roper St. Francis Healthcare, we’re committed to giving your baby the strongest start in life. From routine screenings to intensive care, we offer the greater Charleston area’s widest range of newborn services.

Register for a tour
Doctor with mom and baby

Care tailored to your baby’s needs

Whether your baby needs routine care or extra support, we provide family-centered care that keeps mom and baby close. We’ll work with you throughout your hospital stay to make sure you feel connected, informed and supported as a parent. If your baby needs specialized treatment or close monitoring, the experts in our neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are right here to help.

Levels of newborn care

We support you with varying levels of newborn care, depending on your baby’s unique health needs after birth.

Newborn in hospital

Our newborn nursery is where we’ll care for your baby if they’re born healthy at 35 weeks or later. The nurseries at Bon Secours St. Francis and Berkeley hospitals are staffed with caring and skilled professionals to care for all your baby's needs. Each nursery has the most advanced equipment and 24/7 neonatology services available for any unexpected complications that could arise with your newborn. Our doctors and nurses will monitor your baby and provide routine screenings. We can also treat minor newborn care concerns, such as jaundice or low blood sugar. With this level of care, your baby can stay with you in your room.

Nurse checks on infant in incubator

Your baby may need special care if they’re born between 32 and 35 weeks, weigh at least 3 pounds and have non-critical medical needs that should get better within a few days or weeks. In our nursery, we’ll use an incubator to keep your baby warm. Our neonatology specialists can also help your little one with breathing or feeding, if needed. 

Mom, Dad and preemie baby in hospital

If your baby is critically ill or premature (born before 32 weeks and less than 3 pounds), we provide comprehensive, 24/7 care in our NICU. We use ventilators to help your baby breathe and special IVs to support their nutrition. Our doctors and neonatal nursing experts use advanced images and other tests to monitor your child and create a care plan that helps your baby grow.

Pediatric nurses with baby

If your baby has a critical care concern but the NICU isn’t the right fit for them, we provide extended emergency care for children and babies through the Children's Unit at Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital. The Children’s Unit is a partnership with Roper St. Francis Healthcare pediatric-trained nurses, pharmacists, child life experts and MUSC pediatric specialists, with seamless transfers when needed. We provide short-term medical treatment for non-urgent illnesses, injuries and surgical recovery after an emergency.

Your newborn care team

Our neonatal experts are dedicated to ensuring every baby receives the highest level of newborn care available. When your baby needs specialized services and gentle support, we’re here. Meet your baby’s care team. 

Our hospital and NICU locations

If you need advanced neonatal care in the greater Charleston area, our nursery and newborn services are close by. Both of our hospitals that provide pregnancy and newborn care are equipped with NICUs and OB EDs (obstetric emergency departments) to provide the best possible care for both mom and baby no matter what your needs may be. Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital is also equipped to provide extended emergency care outside of NICU needs to babies through their Children’s Unit.

Nursery tours and newborn care classes

As one of the premier newborn care providers, we offer supportive services to help you prepare for your baby’s arrival, including tours where you can explore our maternity spaces, meet your care team and feel comfortable before you return to give birth.

If you’re a first-time parent or an experienced mom or dad who needs a refresher course, we invite you to enroll in one of our newborn classes. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to confidently prepare for your child’s arrival and first few months. 

View all classes

Heart hands on pregnant belly

Upcoming classes and events

  • Postpartum Planning

    August 27, 2026

    6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

    Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital

    2095 Henry Tecklenburg Drive, Charleston, SC 29414

    Register

  • Breastfeeding Basics

    September 1, 2026

    6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

    Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital

    2095 Henry Tecklenburg Drive, Charleston, SC 29414

    Register

  • Expectant Parents Tour

    September 6, 2026

    1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

    Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital

    2095 Henry Tecklenburg Drive, Charleston, SC 29414

    Register

People also ask

Related specialties

Know what to expect for your baby’s first days

Your baby’s first days are filled with wonderful, memorable moments. From first snuggles to gentle screenings, we’re here to help you prepare for it all.

Register for a tour Find a provider Find a location