Hardeeville, S.C., – Coastal Carolina Hospital recently opened a three-bassinet Level 2 Special Care Nursery as a complement to its maternity services.

The nursery will have capabilities of caring for preterm infants from 32 weeks gestation to term and weighing 3 lbs., 3 oz. or more. The care team consists of a neonatologist, neonatal nurse practitioners, Level II registered nurses, speech language pathologists, occupational therapists and lactation consultants.

“Together, this team will work with obstetricians and pediatricians to provide comprehensive advanced care for those patients who need extra support in their first days of life,” said Dr. Tung Giep, neonatologist and medical director of the nursery.

Joel C. Taylor, CEO of Hilton Head Regional Healthcare, which consists of Hilton Head Hospital and Coastal Carolina Hospital, said, “Adding a Level 2 Special Care Nursery is a direct response to the community’s growing need for advanced care for moms and babies. The nursery will support the hospital’s other maternity and infant-focused services and provide an additional point in the continuum of care.”

Coastal Carolina’s maternity services include 24/7 coverage by a laborist, a certified OB/GYN dedicated to delivering babies and responding to obstetrical and gynecological emergencies in the hospital, 24-hour anesthesia coverage, natural birthing process support, and a suite reserved for Cesarean deliveries. The hospital also features Couplet Care bassinets, which provide new mothers a safe, comfortable way to reach, soothe and care for their newborn independently.