New Cameras at Lafayette General Medical Center Give Families Video of Their Baby in NICU

Separating a newborn from its mother is difficult, but sometimes necessary when premature babies require a stay in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). That time apart might deprive critical mother-baby bonding time, as well as cause friends and family to miss precious moments early in a baby’s life. Now, with the purchase of the NicView™ Camera System for Lafayette General Medical Center by the Lafayette General Foundation, a bedside view is possible from anywhere, anytime.

The NicView stream provides a live view into the baby’s Isolette or bassinet in LGMC’s NICU, and is viewable from any online device, such as a computer, smart phone or tablet. This view can provide peace of mind to the mother or concerned loved ones, while allowing all to observe the baby’s daily progress. The video feed is encrypted for privacy and requires a secure login to access. No software downloads or apps are required, and the system works with most web browsers. Technical support is also available 24/7.

“LGMC has provided a way to spend time with your baby from the comfort of your own home,” says Dr. Dave De Iulio, Medical Director of LGMC’s NICU. “Even if a parent or relative is across town or across the world, the NicView Camera System provides instant access. This is an invaluable asset.”

LGMC is the first hospital in Acadiana to offer the NicView System in its NICU. There are five other hospitals in Louisiana with the NicView System. Three of those five are in the Ochsner Health Network, including Ochsner Baptist Hospital, Ochsner West Bank and St. Tammany Parish Hospital.

Lafayette General Foundation is hoping to buy more of these cameras for the hospital. For more information about how to contribute to the Foundation, call (337) 289-8950.