Mercy one of few hospitals in nation with 100% NICU-equipped birthing suites

Mercy Medical Center is pleased to announce that all of its Birthplace suites are now equipped with Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) technology. This more patient-centered approach improves safety and allows both parents to stay with their newborn in one room for their entire stay – from labor and delivery to postpartum and NICU care.

Mercy is now one of only a few of its kind in the U.S. to have 100% of its labor and delivery suites equipped with NICU technology.

Studies show that when mothers and babies stay together in the NICU, mothers have better postpartum recovery and increased rates of breastfeeding, and babies have decreased rates of infections and decreased lengths of stay in the hospital. These outcomes lead to increased patient satisfaction. And, the extra time together enables parents to provide better and more confident care for their babies after discharge, which has also been proven to improve neurodevelopmental outcomes for babies.

“Mercy Birthplace and NICU is always looking for ways to improve safety and quality, as well as the overall birth experience,” said Srikanth Ravisankar, Mercy neonatologist. “Only a handful of NICUs nationwide have transitioned to this new standard of care. I’m sure it will be well-received by our patients and families.”

Fortunately, very few babies ever require specialized care, but should infants need it, Mercy’s NICU is equipped to care for babies as young as 32 weeks gestation. However, less than 2% of all babies in the U.S. are born at 32 weeks gestation or earlier.

Expectant parents who would like to visit one of the recently remodeled, NICU-ready birth suites at Mercy can call (319) 363-BABY.