Nemours Children’s Hospital will open the Institute for Maternal Fetal Health in early 2026.

Nemours Children’s Hospital is set to launch a new maternal and fetal health program, aimed at providing specialized care for families facing complex fetal diagnoses. This initiative, titled the Institute for Maternal Fetal Health, is expected to commence operations at Nemours’ flagship facility in Wilmington by early 2026. The program’s primary objective is to extend advanced medical resources for mothers and infants confronting potentially life-threatening conditions, including congenital heart disease, metabolic disorders, and genetic defects. Traditionally, families managing these health crises have had to travel considerable distances to larger urban hospitals in cities such as Philadelphia, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, or New York for treatment.

As part of its innovative services, the new institute will incorporate in utero surgery capabilities. Such surgical interventions address certain serious birth defects, such as spina bifida, a condition characterized by the incomplete closure of the spinal column, which ultimately leaves the spinal cord exposed. In addition to surgical services, the institute will provide educational resources and additional support for family members, particularly siblings, to ease their transition during challenging diagnoses.

The impetus for establishing the Institute for Maternal Fetal Health is rooted in a commitment to keeping families closer to their homes during intensely stressful times, as articulated by Julie S. Moldenhauer, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist and the institute’s inaugural executive director.

This new program builds upon Nemours’ recent expansion in the region, which included the acquisition of several pediatric clinical offices formerly operated by Crozer Health following its bankruptcy in 2024. At its Wilmington hospital, Nemours will add three specialized operating rooms specifically designated for C-sections, complex deliveries, and fetal surgeries. The institute aims to increase the availability of patient care by featuring more patient and neonatal stabilization rooms designed for newborns requiring additional support after birth.

Furthermore, a dedicated wellness room will be established within the institute, providing a space for families to gather, engage in recreational activities, and participate in therapeutic practices such as yoga and art therapy.

For many parents, receiving news of a fetal diagnosis often transforms the initial excitement surrounding a new pregnancy into a wave of anxiety regarding their child’s health. This shift can lead to additional burdens, as families might find themselves needing to travel frequently for necessary medical appointments. Such journeys can impose significant financial strains stemming from lost wages, travel costs, accommodations, and childcare for other children.

To address these concerns, the new institute will offer support groups aimed at grandparents and educational sessions tailored for siblings to help demystify the medical processes involved. Licensed psychologists will be available to assist couples struggling with relationship challenges during this tumultuous period and to support children who may feel the impact of their parents’ heightened stress.

Ultimately, the Institute for Maternal Fetal Health at Nemours Children’s Hospital aspires to fortify not only the individual patient but the broader family unit as well. By leveraging comprehensive support networks and advanced medical care will enable families to navigate complex pregnancies with greater resilience and confidence.

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