When you think about babies born premature or those born with serious medical conditions, do you assume that means they need to be taken to larger cities?
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is something we don’t think about until we need it, so many parents-to-be aren’t aware that Mary Lanning Healthcare has a Level II NICU. That means most babies born at 32 weeks and up can be cared for right here, rather than being sent elsewhere.
In addition, the Mary Lanning Family Care Center has a lot of experience in treating babies who need a little extra support with breathing, eating and medications though central lines. That’s because our staff of highly experienced nurses, who are trained in Level II neonatal care, work hand-in-hand with pediatricians. Our technology ensures intensive care with advanced equipment designed especially for premature babies and other newborns with special needs.
We offer donor breast milk and use probiotics to help with gut protection. Our lactation consultants meet with NICU moms to make sure breast pumping is going well. They also helps get babies breastfeeding when they are able to do so because our focus is on the family. We keep parents involved in baby cares like diaper changes, bathing and feeding.
In addition, we work closely with physical, occupational and speech therapists to allow for early interventions when needed.
This extra level of care means moms and dads — including those who have their babies in small area critical access hospitals — can stay a lot closer to home.
Children’s Hospital in Omaha has collaborating with MLH and will provide helicopter transport of babies who need Level II NICU care to MLH. All it takes is for a physician at the smaller hospitals to contact the MLH Family Care Center.
So, take another look at Mary Lanning Healthcare and its Family Care Center. We have the service you need, close to home. For more information, see our NICU page.