NICU at Sharp
Superior care for our tiniest patients
If your baby is born prematurely or with complications, there is no better place for your newborn to grow, heal and receive high-quality medical care than at the neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) at Sharp Mary Birch Center for Women & Newborns Chula Vista, Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women & Newborns Grossmont and Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women & Newborns.
Only the best care for you and your baby
Caring for a NICU baby takes more than a team of compassionate clinicians ― it also takes you. That's why we involve family every step of the way. Visiting hours are 22 hours per day, ensuring you'll be there when you need to be. We encourage parents to practice skin-to-skin contact with their baby to foster bonding and promote an early release for premature infants.
We know what your little one needs. We are doctors, nurses, lactation specialists, nutritionists, physical therapists and respiratory care practitioners. And we're all working together to help your baby heal.
Sharp Named 2026 High Performing Hospital for Maternity Care
This national honor highlights the commitment to safe, exceptional care for mothers and newborns at all three Sharp Mary Birch locations.
Resources for NICU parents
Guiding parents through the NICU experience
This specialized guide from Sharp Mary Birch Hospital (also available in Spanish) provides important information about what to expect as a NICU parent, such as caring for your baby during the first few weeks of life and preparing for your baby’s discharge from the hospital.Kangaroo care in the NICU
We encourage you to be as hands on and involved as possible with your baby, even while in the NICU. Learn how to do skin-to-skin contact, also known as kangaroo care.Hydrotherapy in the NICU
Hydrotherapy treatments are used to promote brain development and motor patterns in babies born earlier than 32 weeks.
Have your baby close to home
Our world-class NICUs are conveniently located in Sharp hospitals across San Diego County.
As a Level III NICU, we can care for up to 24 infants and our expert team provides life-saving care 24/7. Our family-centered approach involves you and your family in decisions regarding your newborn’s care.
Our programs also support exclusive breastfeeding and skin-to-skin time between mother and baby, as well as kangaroo techniques, so mother, father or birth partner can remain close to baby.
Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women & Newborns Grossmont
5555 Grossmont Center Drive
La Mesa, CA 91942
Get directions
There's a reason why more than 100 babies are transferred to our NICU from other area hospitals each year. We rank among the top centers in the nation for NICU infection prevention, and we care for up to 84 infants at a time. Our unique programs keep us at the top of our field:
Our Neonatal Research Institute provides the latest scientific evidence on the best ways to care for your newborn
Our Neurologic Intensive Care Nursery specializes in state-of-the-art care for newborns that may require advanced neurologic assessment and care
Our Developmental Care Program combines technology and innovation with human touch to give at-risk babies the best start in life
Our family-centered approach encourages you and family to be a part of every decision and participate in your baby’s care with our support team guiding you along the way.
Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women & Newborns
3003 Health Center Drive
San Diego, CA 92123
Get directions
How to choose Sharp for your baby's care
To find a doctor who is affiliated with Sharp, call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277) or search for a San Diego OBGYN. Sharp accepts almost all health insurance plans.