Every month, we donate to a NICU in support of the lifesaving care these units provide for the smallest and sickest babies. Through our Nominate-a-NICU program, we have been able to donate to the NICUs that mean the most to our Kyte community. Your stories and nominations have made a difference for so many hospitals across the country. This month, we have named Huntsville Hospital for Women & Children as our December NICU.
Located in Huntsville, Alabama, Huntsville Hospital for Women & Children offers the most advanced pediatric health care in the region. Its pediatric emergency services, pediatric intensive care, Level III neonatal intensive care, and pediatric surgery programs serve as a safety net for all of North Alabama. The hospital campus is also home to one of the few St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Clinics in the nation.
Level III NICU
The Neonatal ICU at Huntsville Hospital is the only Level III NICU in North Alabama and is designated by the state as the Regional Referral Center for NICU care. Infants born in hospitals all throughout the region are transported to Huntsville Hospital to receive critical, lifesaving medical care.
The NICU Team
The NICU team at Huntsville Hospital includes:
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Board-certified neonatologists
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Neonatal nurse practitioners
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Neonatal registered nurses certified by the American Heart Association’s Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
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Respiratory therapists
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Lactation consultants
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Speech, physical, and occupational therapists
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Music therapist
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Child life specialists
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Registered dietitians
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Cuddler volunteers
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Family Support Program to address the unique needs of NICU families
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Social worker to help with the specialized needs of our families
Kids Care Transport
Kids Care is the region’s pediatric critical transport and is available 24/7 from Huntsville Hospital for Women & Children. Staffed by highly trained pediatric and neonatal medical teams, this “ICU on wheels” transports critically ill children and newborns from hospitals throughout the region to Huntsville Hospital. This service provides rapid mobilization for severely ill babies and gives them the best fighting chance at life.
Infant Nutrition Lab
Huntsville Hospital for Women & Children has North Alabama’s only state-certified infant nutrition lab, which is a dedicated area where many babies’ feedings are carefully and securely prepared by specially trained staff. The infant nutrition lab includes:
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Nutrition plans developed by registered dietitians and neonatologists
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Certified staff trained to prepare baby’s feedings in a safe, clean environment
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Breastmilk storage with closely monitored temperatures
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Barcode scanning system for patient verification
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Consistent fortification based on baby’s nutritional needs
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International Board Certified Lactation Consultants with advanced training in assisting families in the NICU
Words From the Kyte Community
“Both of my babies have had to spend time in this NICU. Our baby was there for 9 days (born at 36 weeks) and the nurses and staff were exceptional. They were so kind and caring, and they treated my baby as if he was their own. They answered our calls at all hours, and his individual nurse would talk to us directly to ease our worried minds.”
-Molly R.
“My son was in the NICU for respiratory distress syndrome. We were only there for 6 days, but we met many parents who had little ones there for months. The staff goes above and beyond for their littlest patients.”
-Alyssa G.
“As a NICU mama I was able to see the heartbeat behind the critical care NICU team and the love they have for patients. There is so much intention behind their care, and they even made us parents as comfortable as possible. I will forever be grateful for this NICU and our team.”
-Kheala B.
“Two of my three babies are NICU babies. One is currently there, and my middle baby was there for 97 days. This hospital and the people who work there are so incredibly loving and supportive. Having a baby in the NICU is one of the scariest and most overwhelming times a new mom can experience, but having a crew of nurses, nurse practitioners, and doctors who are so thoughtful and caring makes it easier.”
-Lesley D.
“This is my current place of work and I have witnessed firsthand the amazing care that they provide to patients and families. I have also had the opportunity to watch that care in action with my own niece, who was born early at 31 weeks gestation. She is now a spunky 7 year old and I’ll never forget the loving care she was given at Huntsville Hospital.”
-Anna C.
“The level of care, attention, and knowledge these nurses give and have are second to none. We never felt more safe with our baby in their care. It was an absolute blessing in disguise that our baby ended up going to the NICU. There are not enough thank-yous in the world to give to each nurse who cared for our baby.”
-Nicole M.
How to Give
If you would like to give to the NICU at Huntsville Hospital for Women & Children, you can make a donation to the Melissa George Neonatal Memorial Fund.
How to Nominate a NICU
If you have a NICU that you would like us to donate to, you may submit a nomination along with your story on our Nominate-a-NICU page.
