Neonatology
Neonatology refers to the care of preemies or babies who are very sick due to low birth weight, birth defects, heart trouble, lung problems, or other life-threatening conditions. University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital is home to a Level 4 NICU—the highest level recognized by the American Academy of Pediatrics. This means that our NICU is equipped to care for the tiniest and most critically ill babies, offering the greatest range of neonatal services and support. In fact, we care for more complex conditions than any other NICU in Iowa. Our survival rates for babies born at 22, 23, 24, and 25 weeks are significantly higher than survival rates for extremely premature babies born at other U.S. hospitals, placing UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital among the top neonatal intensive care providers anywhere. Few parents consider the possibility that their baby might need special medical care after birth. Even fewer think about which neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) might care for their baby. With one of the nation's best survival rates for premature infants, the questions we're asking today will help us deliver even better answers tomorrow. One more reason we’re the only nationally ranked neonatology program in Iowa.Premature and High Risk Babies
Why Choose Us
15 Questions You Should Ask about Neonatal Intensive Care Units
One out of nine mothers do not carry to full term (37 or more weeks), and roughly 100,000 babies end up in a NICU each year. We hope that your pregnancy and delivery go smoothly, but if the unexpected should occur, here are 15 important questions you need to ask.
Ways to Give
Mother's Milk Bank of Iowa provides donated human milk to premature and full-term infants in Iowa. Babies receiving donated milk include hospitalized premature infants, infants born with immunological defects, adopted infants, and babies whose mothers produce an insufficient amount of breast milk or have an illness requiring a brief cessation of breastfeeding.
Other Resources for Parents
- Newborn Channel: Information for parents about caring for their baby in the NICU and at home
(NOTE: Hospital Password: 02826) - Your NICU Baby: Information for parents about what to expect when your baby is in the NICU
(NOTE: Hospital Password: 02826)
Health Professionals
Health Information
Support Groups
Related Services
Patient Stories
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Neonatologist cares for two generations of NICU babies
When Kyle Nelson's own newborn son needed emergency care, the 25-year-old Hillsboro, Iowa father knew where he wanted to go. He had no idea the trip would turn into a reunion. Read more -
Parent Blog: Ashley Morarend
"Everyone who works at the hospital is very welcoming and helpful. The hospital became my second home during those 64 days and I always felt comfortable and at home being there." Ashley Morarent Read more -
Parent Blog: Matt Tison
"We're so thankful for the doctors and nurses who helped take care of Clara. I'd like to remind everybody that these doctors and nurses are emotionally vested in your child's care, as well. It's a team effort when hard decisions have to be made. The kind, empathetic, compassionate care we received is why we would choose to go back." Matt Tison Read more -
Iowa girl thrives after ice-storm birth
When Dorotea Orgovanyi was born at 26 weeks gestation in a small Iowa hospital in 2007, an ice storm prevented emergency transportation from moving her to a better-equipped facility. But it didn’t stop two University of Iowa doctors from heeding the call for help. Read more -
Skylar Hardee
During their 16-week ultrasound, Skylar’s parents were given a 1% chance of their baby surviving. Doctors found no amniotic fluid protecting Skylar in his mother’s uterus. His parents sought help at University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. Skylar was born prematurely at 32 weeks gestation and was diagnosed with VACTERL association, a congenital syndrome that results in abnormalities in various parts of the body. Read more
News Articles
Locations and Contact
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In House Directions: Level 6UI Stead Family Children's Hospital
200 Hawkins Drive
Iowa City, Iowa 52242Contact
- 1-888-573-5437 (888 573 KIDS)
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In House Directions: Elevator I, Level 6UI Stead Family Children's Hospital
200 Hawkins Drive
Iowa City, Iowa 52242Contact
- 1-888-573-5437 (888 573 KIDS)
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Quad Cities location
1236 E. Rusholme Street
Davenport, Iowa 52803Contact
- 1-563-421-3980
