MercyOne West Des Moines Medical Center NICU

The physicians and care team at MercyOne West Des Moines Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) has advanced technology and training to give your baby the specialized care they need, should they be born prematurely or need a higher level of care. Our NICU is located in the western suburbs of Des Moines and provides care for newborn and premature infants.

NICU Amenities and Services

• The West Des Moines NICU offers Level II Care which is an advanced level of expertise, care and experience for your baby.
• State-of-the-art security system.
• In-house neonatal nurse practitioners are available 24/7.
• Highly trained NICU nurses provide specialized and compassionate care to premature infants born as early as 32 weeks' gestation. NICU nurses also provide education and support to families as they navigate the challenges of having a newborn in the intensive care unit.
• Occupational and physical therapists work as developmental specialists in the NICU, promoting physical and cognitive development.  
• Speech language pathologists evaluate your baby’s development and intervene with feeding and swallowing skills, while providing caregiver education to promote feeding success following discharge.
• Ronald McDonald courtesy rooms available for relaxation and to provide a quiet space for parents and family.

Parenting Time

MercyOne welcomes and encourages parents of NICU babies to be actively involved in their baby's care as much as possible. You're invited to be at your baby's bedside at any time, day or night—your presence is just as important to your baby as your baby is to you.

The only time we may ask you to step out briefly is during certain special procedures being performed in the nursery.

Checking On Your Baby

If you can’t be present in the NICU on a given day, you may call the NICU at any time for updates on your baby. Please know we will contact you if there are any changes in your baby’s condition. To protect your baby's privacy and allow our nurses to focus on the specialized care your baby needs, we kindly ask that only parents make these calls. This gives you the opportunity to decide how and when to share information with family and friends.  

For families in the Des Moines area, please call 515-358-4000. If you're outside the area, we offer a toll-free number for parents: 1-800-637-2993. Please note that the toll-free line is reserved for parent use only.

Other Visitors

Grandparents, friends and relatives who are 16 years or older may visit, as long as a parent is present. To ensure a calm and comfortable environment, we kindly ask that no more than two people be at the bedside at any one time.

Our Team

Caring for premature or ill babies takes a dedicated team of professionals, all working together to support your baby’s health and your family’s experience. During your stay, you may meet some or all of the following team members:

• Neonatologists – Pediatricians with specialized training in caring for premature and critically ill newborns.
• Primary Nurse – The nurse who will most often care for your baby, create an individualized care plan, and help guide you in learning how to care for your baby.
• Nurse Manager – A registered nurse who oversees the overall care provided in the NICU, ensuring the highest quality support for patients and families.
• Dietitian – A nutrition specialist who monitors your baby’s growth, feeding and nutritional needs.
• Lactation Consultant – A nurse trained to assist and support breastfeeding mothers with feeding techniques and milk supply concerns.
• Occupational Therapist – A professional focused on infant development, particularly motor skills and feeding-related abilities.
• Physical Therapist – A specialist who works with your baby to support healthy movement, strength and muscle tone.
• Speech and Language Therapist – A trained professional who helps with feeding-related skills, including sucking and swallowing.
• Pharmacist – Prepares and reviews medications for your baby and serves as a resource for both staff and parents about medication use.
• Social Worker – Supports families with non-medical needs such as housing, insurance, transportation and emotional well-being.
• Respiratory Therapist – Provides care for babies who need oxygen or help with breathing.
• Unit Secretary – Assists with phone calls and supports the nursing staff in day-to-day operations and checks in all visitors.

Other commonly seen specialty doctors:

• Cardiologist – A doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating heart conditions.
• Endocrinologist – A specialist who focuses on hormone-related issues and problems with the glands.
• Gastroenterologist – A doctor who treats conditions affecting the stomach and intestinal (digestive) system.
• Nephrologist – A specialist in kidney function and diseases, including dialysis care.
• Neurologist – A doctor who cares for babies with conditions affecting the brain, spine and nervous system.
• Ophthalmologist – A medical doctor who focuses on eye health and vision care.