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.
    • *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:

Expert Prenatal Pediatrics in New Jersey

K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital at Jersey Shore University Medical Center
Prenatal Pediatrics (called the Healthy Beginnings Program)
For an appointment, please call: Jennifer Barnao, RN, MSN, Clinical Coordinator
Phone: 848-231-0003
Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center
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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