Care Team, Therapy & Support
Neonatology (NICU)
Neonatology is the specialty caring for newborns, including in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
In short: Neonatology (NICU)
- A neonatologist may care for a baby with encephalocele after birth.
- The NICU provides specialized newborn care.
- They stabilize and monitor the baby and coordinate next steps.
- They work with the surgical and other teams.
What it is
It is the pediatric specialty focused on the care of newborns, especially those who are premature or have medical conditions. Neonatologists often work in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Understanding Neonatology (NICU)
A baby born with an encephalocele may be cared for by a neonatologist after birth, particularly if specialized newborn care is needed. In the NICU, the team stabilizes and monitors the baby — including protecting the encephalocele sac, supporting feeding and breathing as needed, and coordinating imaging and the timing of next steps such as surgery. Neonatology works closely with neurosurgery and the broader team to ensure smooth, coordinated care in the newborn period.
Why it matters
Understanding neonatology helps families see who provides specialized care for their baby after birth and how the newborn period is managed and coordinated with the surgical team.
Common questions
What does neonatology do?
Cares for newborns, including in the NICU.
When is a neonatologist involved?
When a baby needs specialized newborn care.
Where do they work?
Often in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Bottom line
Neonatology provides specialized newborn care, including in the NICU, for babies with encephalocele after birth.
Browse all 265 Encephalocele definitions
Read the Encephalocele patient guides
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