Every month, Kyte Baby donates to a different NICU nominated by our community in order to give back to the places that mean the most to you. Our Nominate-a-NICU initiative has helped neonatal intensive care units all over the country, thanks to your stories and nominations. In support of the vital care and comfort this hospital provides to critically ill newborns in Iowa, we have chosen Blank Children's Hospital as our April NICU.
About the NICU at Blank Children's Hospital
The Variety Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Blank Children's Hospital is a Regional Level IIIB unit that has 44 beds and state-of-the-art technology to help them care for newborns in central Iowa and surrounding regions. This NICU is dedicated to providing high-quality, family-centered care for the best outcomes.
The neonatology care team at Blank Children's Hospital is made up of experienced professionals, including neonatologists, neonatal nurse practitioners, social workers, respiratory therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and other medical specialists. This multidisciplinary team works together to provide comprehensive, individualized care and continually improve outcomes in these tiny patients and their families.
Family-Centered Care & Private-Room Care
Blank Children's Hospital practices family-centered care, encouraging and supporting families in participating in the daily care of their baby. Its clinical team identifies and provides educational support and resources to ensure that families are best equipped to care for their babies after the NICU and understand the health and developmental issues related to their baby.
Blank Children's Hospital is one of the first Level IIIB NICUs anywhere to offer private rooms, allowing neonatal specialists to closely monitor each newborn and maximize their growth and development potential. The benefits of private-room care include:
- Ability to customize baby's environment to best support their level of development
- Regulation of light and sound levels to support baby's sleep and growth
- Supports family involvement with baby's care
- Privacy for families to practice skin-to-skin, breastfeeding, and bonding with their baby
- Private sleeping sofas for parents to stay overnight and be close to their baby
- Close monitoring of babies by nurses and doctors
Words From the Kyte Community
"Many of the babies I know and love began their lives in the NICU at Blank Children's Hospital, where my sister-in-law works as a nurse. They provide the highest level of care for the smallest patients and are taking care of not only the tiny miracles, but the families of the babies as well. This team goes above and beyond and maintains strong relationships with other NICU teams in Iowa and surrounding states in complicated cases in order to keep the patient at the center of the care."
-Tessa B.
"When our daughter was born abruptly at 27 weeks and 4 days, the instant outpouring of support from every team member at Blank's NICU was felt immediately. From the housekeeper, nurses, ARNPs, physicians, dietitians, respiratory specialists, desk clerks, and so many more people behind the scenes, we were overwhelmed with the compassion they gave us. We never would have made it through our NICU journey without the love and support from every person in Blank's NICU."
-Kim T.
"Our son was born at 25 weeks + 3 days. He spent 97 days in their care before coming home with us. They made the foreign world of the NICU feel more familiar, and truly cared for our son as more than just a patient, but as a human being. They treated us with compassion and cared for us like family."
-Karlie T.
"Blank saved our baby, who was born 10 weeks early. The care we received was unmatched. The nurses, doctors and all of the staff showed us so much compassion and kindness that the 6 weeks we were there flew by. They deserve all of the support possible."
-Joey R.
"I am honored to nominate the NICU team who cared for my son during one of the most vulnerable and emotional times of our lives. From the moment he was admitted, the entire staff, nurses, doctors, respiratory therapists, lactation consultants, and support personnel, wrapped our family in compassion, expertise, and hope. They gave us confidence when we felt helpless and always made sure we knew our son was in the best hands possible. I will never forget the late-night check-ins, the words of encouragement, and the gentle way they spoke to him like he was already so loved, which he was. Because of them, we brought home a stronger, thriving baby. Because of them, we carry gratitude that words can never fully capture."
-Abigail S.
