

Prenatal Pediatrics
Expert Care for Prenatal Pediatrics in NJ
When a medical diagnosis affects your pregnancy, the path forward can be uncertain. Some families may need to plan for a baby who requires additional or complex medical care after birth, while other families may have to navigate the heartbreaking news of a child with a life-limiting condition.
Our program at Hackensack Meridian Children's Health is uniquely designed to support families on both paths. We provide two dedicated services:
- Prenatal Pediatrics coordinates care for babies who will need specialized medical treatment.
Our goal is to reduce stress by creating a single, coordinated plan that prepares you and your medical team for your baby's arrival. - Neonatal Supportive Care: Comfort Care Service provides comfort and compassion for families whose baby is expected to have a shortened life span or ongoing medically complex needs at and after delivery.
Our purpose is to provide compassionate support and help you create a personalized plan that honors your love, values, and wishes for your baby, with a focus on comfort and quality of life.
Prenatal Pediatrics and Neonatal Supportive Care
Our goal is to reduce stress by creating a single, coordinated plan that prepares you and your medical team for your baby's arrival. Some of our Prenatal Pediatrics and Neonatal Supportive Care services include:
- Understanding the Diagnosis - We'll provide clear explanations and answer your questions about your baby's medical condition.
- Personalized Counseling - We offer emotional support as you consider your options and plan for the future.
- Coordinating with Your Medical Team - We work directly with your high-risk obstetrics or MFM team to ensure seamless care.
- Creating a Birth Plan* - We help you decide on details for your baby's birth and the time that follows, focusing on comfort, quality of life and precious moments with family.
- Sibling Support* - We offer age-appropriate education and preparation for your other children.
- Pastoral Support* - Our hospital chaplains are available to support families.
- Home Hospice Information* - We can discuss home care options if they are right for your family.
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*Generally, intended for Neonatal Supportive Care services.
Your Prenatal Pediatrics and Neonatal Supportive Care Teams
Your Prenatal Pediatrics and Neonatal Supportive Care team may include the following team members:
- Neonatologists
- Pediatric Specialists
- Neonatal Social Worker
- Child Life Specialist
- Bereavement Trained Nurses
- Administrative Coordinators
- Hospital Chaplain
Expert Prenatal Pediatrics in New Jersey
Prenatal Pediatrics (called the Healthy Beginnings Program)
For an appointment, please call: Jennifer Barnao, RN, MSN, Clinical Coordinator
Phone: 848-231-0003
Prenatal Pediatrics
For an appointment, please call: Chelsea Zahn, Clerical Coordinator
Phone: 551-996-5362
For more information, please email: Dr. Anne-Lise Jacobsen,
anne-lise.jacobsen@hmhn.org
Why Choose HMH for Prenatal Pediatrics
- Coordinated Specialist Visits: We arrange for you to meet all necessary experts in a single comprehensive visit.
- Unified Care Plan: We work with you to create a clear plan for your baby’s care after birth, which is shared with your entire medical team.
- Preparation and Education: We help you understand the diagnosis, the treatments involved and what to expect. We can also arrange a tour of the NICU when a NICU admission is expected for your baby.
- Continuous Support: We ensure a smooth transition from your pregnancy care to your baby’s pediatric care team.

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