Stories of Life
Every birth is a unique story.
But some are truly inspirational. On November 12, shortly after he was born, Alex Adams began wheezing and having breathing difficulties. Fortunately, Mercy has a specialized NICU nurse present at every delivery, and the response was immediate. “I was able to recognize Alex’s breathing difficulties early,” said Terry Hayden Mercy NICU nurse clinician, “and quickly call in the pediatrician.” Today, Alex is a healthy, thriving baby who delights his family with his adorable cooing. And thanks to Mercy’s Level II NICU, this story has a very happy ending.
You can see it in her eyes.
Julie Kennedy truly loves and adores babies. When she joined Mercy as a labor and delivery nurse in 1991, it was because, “That’s where my heart was. I’ve always wanted to help babies, especially the little ones who need the most critical care.” With years of specialized NICU training and experience, Julie has cared for hundreds of babies with special needs. As a Neonatal Resuscitation Instructor, she’s qualified to teach others the critical skills necessary to resuscitate babies who aren’t breathing. But what Julie finds most gratifying about being a Mercy NICU nurse is helping parents bond and connect with their baby. “It’s still all about a baby and a family. When life begins, it’s always amazing. It’s a story I never get tired of.”
There is no mystery to this story.
When nurse clinician Terry Hayden chose to work at the Mercy NICU, the reasons were clear. “I wanted to be part of an NICU that believed in family-centered care—where the parents are treated with as much care and compassion as the baby. I found that at Mercy.” She also found a place where she could use the experience she gained working at renowned Level III NICUs at UCLA and the University of Iowa. “Knowing you’ve done something to change a baby’s life really touches you, and makes everything worthwhile. There’s just a special feeling being involved in the life of a baby, and helping newborns recover and thrive.” In real life, there really are storybook endings. And the special people of the Mercy NICU staff—like Terry Hayden—help make them possible. Moms remember stories the best.
Karen Graber will never forget October 15, when her son Michael was born five weeks premature.
“I’m so thankful we were at the Mercy Birthplace. I knew we were in the best hands possible.” Michael was having difficulty getting enough oxygen, and Mercy’s Level II NICU staff responded quickly with the specialized care he needed. As Mom puts it, “I have never been more impressed with a group of people in my life.” Today, Michael is a happy, healthy baby who adores his older brother. And thanks to Mercy’s Level II NICU, this story has a very happy ending.
Some stories are twice as inspiring.
When twins Newt and Sidney Boyles were born prematurely June 25, 2003, they were in critical need of top level neonatal care. Fortunately, they were born at the Mercy Birthplace in Cedar Rapids. Our advanced Level II NICU staff responded quickly with specialized care, including assisted feeding, oxygen and antibiotics. Today? Well, Newt and Sid are healthy, easy-going toddlers who think there’s nothing better in the world than to play with their John Deere tractors! And thanks to Mercy’s Level II NICU, this story has a very happy ending.
Every birth is a miracle.
But some are more miraculous than others. Walker Justice was born December 7—four weeks early. Struggling to breathe, Walker needed advanced care. Fortunately, he was born at the Mercy Birthplace in Cedar Rapids, and our experienced NICU staff and advanced Level II NICU unit were there for him. Walker rapidly received top-level care from Mercy’s staff, all of whom have undergone highly specialized training. Today, Walker is a growing, healthy baby with an adorable little smile. And thanks to Mercy’s Level II NICU, this story has a very happy ending.
Dr. Roger Allen has seen a lot of miracles.
And as a skilled neonatologist, he’s made many of them happen. Kristen Partlow remembers, “When my son Riley was born, he appeared normal. But Dr. Allen noticed Riley’s lips were slightly discolored, and immediately ordered emergency tests. It turns out Riley had a serious undetected infection. I know Riley is alive today because of Dr. Allen’s skills.” Now, Dr. Allen has brought those skills to the Mercy Birthplace, as director of Mercy’s Level II NICU. And with Dr. Allen on staff, Mercy is writing a whole new chapter in advanced care for newborns.
