The NICU at the Children's Hospital of Iowa treats approximately 600 babies per year. These figures are shown below as a graph. Because respiratory problems are the most common problem faced in the NICU, this is critical. Recent studies have shown that the littlest patients do better when noise is minimized and when direct light is reduced. Constant monitoring of blood gases and other tests that require frequent withdrawal of blood often can be decreased or obtained less frequently, depending on the baby's risk factors and current condition.
Fewer tests mean less stress and more uninterrupted sleep for the baby.
To insure the most rapid progress and most favorable outcomes, the Children's Hospital of Iowa uses a team that includes all care providers, including a faculty neonatologist, other physicians, nurse practitioners, staff nurses and nurse educators, respiratory therapists, nutritionists, social workers, pharmacists, physical therapists, and other experts, who can analyze the full scope of an infant's medical and developmental progress, and address problems as they arise. It is important that these specialists and subspecialists be focused on the care of children. All of these specialty services are available at the Children's Hospital of Iowa. A long-term NICU stay can be as hard on Mom and Dad as it is on the infant. These services are available at the Children's Hospital of Iowa.