Family-centered Care 
When it comes to Mercy's Birthplace and NICU, "family-centered care" is not just a fancy term our marketing department came up with-this is something we live and breathe every day.
From our innovative suites that allow you to be close to baby, to your involvement in your baby's care, we're thinking of you and including you every step of the way.
A team approach
Mercy's NICU uses a multidisciplinary team approach to caring for your baby. Along with your physicians and nurses, this includes dietitians, social workers, occupational and physical therapists, lactation consultants, respiratory therapists, pharmacists and the full services that are offered at Mercy, specially trained to help with your baby's care.
Above all else, you and your baby are the MOST important part of our team. You will always be included in baby's plan of care and decision-making. Working with you, our NICU nursing staff creates a "developmental care plan" that reflects your baby's likes, dislikes, needs and strengths. This helps the health-care team individualize your baby's care according to baby's needs.
Developmental Care Clinic
Your baby's care doesn't end once he or she is discharged. Through our Developmental Care Clinic, the same team you had while at Mercy's NICU, including Dr. Allen, your nurses, and specialists like physical therapists, speech therapists, dietitians and social workers, will stay involved with your baby to ensure he or she gets the support they need.
You'll also have the opportunity to get a home visit from one of our lactation consultants, who will weigh baby, check his or her vitals, and can help answer your breastfeeding questions, or any questions you may have.
Breastfeeding Group
There is nothing like bonding with someone going through what you're experiencing (or even just having the opportunity to ask other moms questions). Our Breastfeeding Group is a great place to meet other moms, and ask our experts your questions. The class is free and meets weekly, everyone is welcome.
