As part of its $100 million Advancing Acadiana initiative, FMOL Health | Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s & Children’s Hospital, located at 4600 Ambassador Caffery Parkway, has completed a major expansion of its Level III Surgical Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), introducing 19 private family suites and increasing total capacity to 60 beds.
The expansion transforms what was previously a shelled third-floor space—unused for years—into a fully built-out, state-of-the-art NICU environment designed to better serve families across Acadiana and South Louisiana.
The newly expanded unit features private suites that allow families to remain with their newborns 24/7, a shift from the traditional open-bay NICU model. Each suite includes sleeping accommodations, a recliner for bonding, private bathrooms, Wi-Fi, televisions, a dedicated workspace, and in-room bottle warmers, along with advanced Philips monitoring systems.
Provided Photos
“This expansion is about creating an environment where families feel supported and babies receive the highest level of care,” said Dr. Amy Zeringue, NICU Medical Director and neonatologist. “Our private family suites are designed to keep families close, provide privacy, and create a nurturing space for bonding during this critical time.”
In addition to patient rooms, the unit includes dedicated family support spaces, such as a donor-funded family lounge that serves as a respite area for parents during what is often an intense and emotional experience. The design also incorporates quieter, more controlled environments compared to traditional NICU layouts, reducing noise and stimulation for newborns.
Provided Photos
“All of our rooms are private, light, and designed to be a healing space,” said Christine Istre, Senior Director of Children’s Services. “It’s quieter, it’s more peaceful, and families are able to stay with their babies. That alone changes the entire experience.”…