Patients or referring physicians can start care through the program by speaking with a nurse navigator.

After your OB/GYN or maternal-fetal medicine specialist identifies a reason for concern, your unborn baby’s specialized care will begin with a conversation with one of our Fetal Care Program nurse navigators. These specialized registered nurses will guide you through treatment and offer personalized support to help you and your family every step of the way.

If necessary, your nurse navigator will coordinate care across multiple specialties, including pediatric cardiology, pediatric neurology, pediatric surgery, genetics, maternal-fetal medicine, neonatology and more. They will help schedule appointments, connect you with specialists, assist with making informed decisions and prepare you for any necessary procedures or hospital stays.

Nurse navigators also are prepared to connect you with assistance for transportation, lodging and financial resources.

Your nurse navigator serves as a person to turn to who can help get you answers.

If your baby requires specialized care or surgery after birth, your nurse navigator will arrange consultations with surgeons, hospital tours and a visit to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). We are here to help you prepare and feel confident about the days and years ahead.

Hybrid heart surgery saves baby’s life

Young Hudson Hogue is shown with his cardiothoracic surgeon, Bahaaldin Alsoufi, M.D.

At Jessica’s 20-week ultrasound, her doctor became concerned about Hudson’s heart.

Comprehensive, Collaborative Care

Our team includes:

  • Maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialists
  • Pediatric specialists (cardiology, neurology, surgery, genetics and more)
  • Neonatologists and NICU teams
  • Fetal care nurse navigators to assist with care coordination and family support

What to Expect from the Norton Children’s Fetal Care Program

Your baby’s specialized care journey begins with us. From the first pregnancy ultrasound to a maternal-fetal medicine referral, our Fetal Care Program supports you every step of the way.

From diagnosis to delivery and beyond, our team is dedicated to providing compassionate care and expertise for you and your baby.

Fetal Care Nurse Navigators: Your Personal Guide Through Care

Navigating a high-risk pregnancy or fetal diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. As part of the Fetal Care Program, our fetal care nurse navigators provide guidance and personalized support to help you and your family every step of the way.

From day one, you will be paired with a dedicated fetal care navigator, a registered nurse who will help schedule appointments, coordinate with specialists, and assist with transportation, lodging and financial resources. The navigator also will arrange hospital tours and provide ongoing emotional support, ensuring you always have someone to turn to.

Our nurse navigators are here to answer your questions, ease your concerns and help you make informed decisions about your baby’s care.

Fetal Care Nurse Navigators

Stacie Hartlage, BSN, R.N.

Stacie worked for nearly 20 years as a critical care nurse in the “Just for Kids” Critical Care Center at Norton Children’s Hospital before becoming a nurse navigator in 2019.

As an intensive care unit nurse, Stacie witnessed families’ stresses and anxieties caring for a child with a complicated condition. Her experience has taught her how to help understand what’s happening and how she can ease some of the anxiety.

Devanae’ Wright, BSN, R.N.

Devanae’ began her nursing career caring for adults but always dreamed of becoming a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurse. In 2006, that dream came true when she began working at Norton Children’s Hospital.

In 2016, she became a nurse navigator with Norton Children’s Maternal-Fetal Medicine. As the mother of a premature infant and through her time working in the NICU, Devanae’ deeply understands what families of fragile babies go through. Her personal and professional experience allows her to provide emotional support, comfort and compassion during their journey.

Why Choose the Norton Children’s Fetal Care Program

  • You’ll get comprehensive, state-of-the-art testing and counseling that helps ensure you and your baby receive advanced, personalized care before, during and after delivery.
  • Our maternal-fetal medicine specialists, pediatric subspecialists, neonatologists, genetic counselors and nurse navigators work together with your Fetal Care Program nurse navigator to create an exceptional care plan for your baby’s care.
  • We use state-of-the-art fetal imaging and diagnostic techniques to detect fetal conditions early and create personalized treatment plans.
  • Your delivery can be scheduled steps away from the Norton Children’s Hospital Level IV neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) — the highest level NICU in Louisville and Southern Indiana — or the Level III NICU at Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital.
  • You may be able to deliver at your home hospital. If necessary, the Norton Children’s Hospital “Just for Kids” Transport Team will bring your baby to a Norton Children’s NICU in Louisville.
  • Fetal echocardiogram locations across Kentucky are read by fetal cardiology specialists in Louisville, reducing the need to travel.
  • Norton Children’s accepts Medicaid and most major commercial insurance plans. Financial assistance also is available.
  • Your free Norton MyChart account provides an option for secure communication with your care team and other features to help manage your care.

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