Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
Bringing the NICU to You
Families begin and stay together in Mercy’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where our team has been welcoming the newest members of our community with The Mercy Touch® since 1996.
The Area’s Largest, Most Private NICU Suites
Mercy Birthplace & NICU is one of only a few of its kind in the U.S. and is setting a new standard for care: 100% of Mercy’s Birthplace suites are equipped with NICU technology. This more patient-centered approach improves safety and allows both parents to stay with your newborn in one room for their entire stay – from labor and delivery to postpartum and NICU care.
Studies show that mothers and babies who stay together in the NICU are happier with their stay, more likely to breastfeed, and less likely to contract infections. Only a handful of NICUs nationwide have transitioned to this new standard of care. Learn more.
Mercy is home to an advanced Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). This means you will receive the best care, using the most state-of-the-art equipment and from Mercy NICU staff who have experience handling the most complicated cases for premature and ill babies greater than 32 weeks.
Fortunately, very few babies ever require specialized care. Less than 2% of all babies in the U.S. are born at 32 weeks gestation or earlier. But, should your baby need it, rest assured. Mercy’s NICU is equipped to care for babies as young as 32 weeks gestation. This time frame aligns with family-centered care, which encourages you to spend as much time as possible bonding with your new baby.
What Patients Are Saying
"I was extremely impressed by the care that was provided to me & my baby - thoroughly enjoyed all of the nurses/techs that care for us."
A New Standard in NICU Care
Benefits of Mercy Birthplace & NICU Care
- 100% NICU-equipped birth suites
- Single birth suite for the whole family from labor through NICU care
- Better postpartum recovery for moms
- Increased rates of breastfeeding
- Decreased rates of infection for babies
- Decreased length of hospital stay for babies
- Increased time together for bonding and caring for babies
- Improved neurodevelopmental outcomes for babies
- Comfortable recliner with foot rest
- Private bathroom
Babies Born Before 32 Weeks
We believe babies born earlier than 32 weeks gestation deserve the very best care available in the state – at the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital, which is highly ranked in the nation for neonatology according to U.S. News & World Report.
Plus, at Mercy you’ll have access to Iowa’s highest-level neonatal experts – the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital neonatal team – working with Mercy’s NICU team beginning at birth.
A Team Approach
A multidisciplinary team will care for your baby at Mercy. 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.
After Discharge from the NICU
Your baby's care doesn't end once he or she is discharged.
Developmental Care Clinic
Through a Developmental Care Clinic, the same team you had while at Mercy's NICU, including your neonatologist, 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.
