Obstetrician

A physician who specializes in caring for pregnant women through childbirth. Many obstetricians also train as gynecologists, so they are able to give medical advice and treatment concerning a woman's reproductive system.

Perinatologist

An obstetrician who has received specialized training and education in the diagnosis, treatment and care of high-risk pregnant women and their unborn babies.  At Saint John's, once a pregnant woman is identified as being at risk, the obstetrician and perinatologist on the maternal-fetal team co-manage her care through the duration of her pregnancy.

Neonatologist

A pediatrician who specializes in the medical care of newborns, especially ill or premature babies. A neonatologist on the Saint John's team follows the progress of the high-risk patient and her fetus during her pregnancy in order to design an appropriate care plan for the baby. After birth, the neotaologist manages the baby's care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), in consultation with the infant's pediatrician.

Pediatrician

A physician who specializes in caring for infants, children and adolescents. After a premature or ill newborn is discharged from the hospital, the pediatrician continues to play a key role in the child's long-term care.

Obstetrical Nurse

A nurse with an advanced degree in nursing and special training in the care of pregnant women, including the delivery of babies.  The expert, caring obstetrical nurses on the Saint John's team play a key role in supporting the patient emotionally during her pregnancy and communicating with family members.

Neonatal Nurse

A nurse who specializes in caring for newborn infants, including ill or premature newborns.  In addition to having advanced certification in such critical areas as neonatal resucitation, nurses in the Saint John's NICU provide warm, loving care for their often fragile patients.