​ ​​​UC San Diego Health Newborn Services​

The Newborn Service at UCSD Health, Hillcrest, is part of the UCSD Division of Neonatology. In most cases, newborn babies stay with their mothers during the entire hospital stay. They are seen every day by the newborn healthcare team, which includes an attending physician, nurse practitioner, or a resident physician. 

We encourage all mothers to keep their babies close to them, especially if they're breastfeeding. We're proud to be a "Baby-Friendly" birth facility, recognized by the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative and the United Nations Children's Fund for actively encouraging breastfeeding.​

If your baby is premature or needs specialized care, our NICU is in the same building and is the region's leader in caring for infants with serious illnesses. 

The Postpartum Unit​ provides up-to-date medical care for newborns who room in with their mothers. The unit is the main newborn teaching site for UCSD pediatric residents and medical students. Residents learn about newborn care, breastfeeding, car seat safety, and a variety of newborn medical conditions. Neonatology fellows spend 1-2 weeks each year shadowing the pediatric attending on the newborn service. They are expected to complete the basic breastfeeding education, attend the car passenger safety class, and are provided with requisite reading materials.​

Our Newborn Service promotes a 'Baby Friendly' birthing environment and provides support that focuses on:

  1. Skin-to-Skin Care
  2. Breastfeeding Support
  3. Delayed First Bath (to protect against dryness & bacterial infections)
  4. Vitamin K and Erythromycin Eye Ointment
  5. Health Screenings
  6. Discharge & Follow-Up Care

To learn more about our birthing center and newborn services, please visit the UCSD Health main hospital page for Family Maternity Care Center (Postpartum Care)​.

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Newborn Service Staff

Dr. Tia Hubbard is the Medical Director of Newborn Service working along side Michelle Leff. The newborn doctors care for well and mildly ill newborns in a family-centered care environment. The care center staff also includes neonatal nurse practitioner (NNPs) Alison Wolf, Zohar McMurtry, and Emily Golden, as well as, several dedicated nurses, technicians, and other healthcare professionals. 

 


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