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Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Why Would My Baby Need the NICU?

More than half a million babies are born prematurely each year in the United States.  And while chances are good, that your little one will not need the NICU, it's still a good enough reason to give birth in a hospital with all the specialized services and care.

Babies may be sent to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) if they're born prematurely, have difficulties during delivery or show signs of a problem in their first days of life. The St. Luke's Auxiliary Neonatal Intensive Care Unit offers equipment designed specifically for infants with staff specially trained in newborn care and conditions. It is the area's only Level II NICU with three neonatologists and three neonatal nurse practitions to provide in-hospital 24/7 coverage.

Northwest Iowa's Highest Rated NICU

St. Luke's knows some of our littlest patients can need the biggest care. We care for nearly 400 babies per year in our NICU utilizing technologically advanced equipment.
Facility amenities include:

  • Private rooms to promote family bonding
  • Special rooms to accommodate multiples
  • Advanced, video-monitored security
  • Breast pumps and milk warmers in each room
  • Sound inhibiting floor tiles
  • White noise distributors
  • Twinkling light technology, known to soothe and aid in the development of babies
  • Ronald McDonald House kitchen

A unique transition room is also located in the unit to help both parents and babies adjust to life after the NICU. Designed with home in mind, the room offers a king-size bed, comfortable furnishings and NICU technology so families can stay the night before their baby's release. This transition room can help ease the worry and anxiety some parents feel upon going home.

Sioux City's Only Neonatologists and Neonatal Nurse Practitioners

Our staff is committed to maximizing every baby's healthy outcome after birth.
St. Luke's staff includes Sioux City's only three full-time neonatologists and three full-time neonatal nurse practitioners. Staff is specifically trained to care for newborn babies that are sick or premature. Our caregivers are focused on patient and family-centered care.

 NICU Providers

 >> Meet St. Luke's NICU Providers

Ronald McDonald House

For out-of-town families with an infant in the NICU, St. Luke’s works with the Ronald McDonald House to offer a comfortable place to stay close to the hospital and your baby. Accommodations are available for families under any financial circumstances, with a suggested donation of $5 per night. Visit the Ronald McDonald House of Siouxland or call (712) 255-4084 to make arrangements.

Cuddlers Program

UnityPoint Health - St. Luke's has launched the Cuddlers Program in both our NICU and Pediatrics Unit.  Comfort and contact is important for a baby's development.  But NICU stays can be long, and it's important for parents to take time for themselves, their other children or work commitments, so they cannot always be by baby's side.

Our Cuddlers can help comfort the little one while mom and dad are away from the hospital.  The Cuddler will gently hold the baby, sing lullabies, read to him or her or simply just sit next to the bassinet. 

The Cuddler is an adult volunteer who has completed extensive training.  The training, led by a team of physical therapists and nurses, includes infection control, hand washing, privacy, baby development and proper cuddling techniques.  The volunteers also must complete a background check and have up-to-date immunizations.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer Cuddler, please call 712-279-3220.