When it comes to preparing for a new baby, planning a NICU stay isn’t usually on the list. Although few parents expect it, between 10 and 15 percent of all babies born in the United States require special care in the NICU. These units provide lifesaving care for sick and premature babies, and give them the best fighting chance at a normal life.
The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Sanford Children’s Hospital in Fargo is a Level IV NICU that provides advanced neonatal care for critically ill and fragile babies. Serving infants from 22 weeks of gestation through 12 months old, the unit cares for patients all over the state of North Dakota. These patients include babies who are born prematurely before 37 weeks of pregnancy, as well as infants born after high-risk births or with health conditions that require the expert care and management that only a Level IV NICU can provide.
The hospital is currently working to establish a dedicated Micropreemie Unit within its NICU to improve outcomes for the littlest and most fragile of preemies in its care. The Micropreemie Unit at Sanford Children’s Hospital in Fargo will care for babies who are born before 26 weeks and weigh less than 28 ounces, and will feature four private patient rooms. These rooms are designed to create a nurturing environment with specialized care tailored to the unique challenges and delicate needs of these micropreemies. Equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology and staffed by highly trained professionals, this new unit will not only provide critical support but also offer comforting spaces for parents to bond with their babies during a critical phase in their development.
The NICU at Sanford Children’s Hospital in Fargo is family-focused, using an approach that promotes parental involvement to result in shorter hospital stays and better long-term health outcomes. Parents are encouraged to stay with their babies as long as they want, and may come and go freely. Being part of their baby’s care gives parents a sense of control, helps them feel closer to their baby, and also prepares them to take their baby home.
In support of the incredible work that the NICU at this hospital provides to so many families, we are proud to announce Sanford Children’s Hospital in Fargo as our NICU of the month. This hospital received many nominations from our community members through our Nominate-a-NICU page.
“I am a NICU nurse of 15+ years working in Sanford Children’s. I’m also a transport NICU nurse helping sick newborns and babies get to where they need to be for medical help. Our unit is currently focusing on building a Micropreemie Unit. This donation would help immensely in furnishing fit extras for our smallest babies and their families.”
-Traci W.
“As an RN at Sanford Children’s, I have the privilege of seeing the impact this NICU has had on families, not only across the state of ND, but also reaching into MN, SD ,and MT because we are the only NICU to do surgery within the state. The donation would do so much for adding comfort to our babies, as well as adding a sense of normalcy for parents as they navigate spending time away from their newborn.”
-Micah H.
“This NICU has one of the best survival rates for infants born before 27 weeks in the country. Their dedication to the care of all infants in the hospital is unmatched. They also have one of the only NICU flight teams in the nation. They are simply the best.”
-Megan G.
If you would like to donate to the NICU at Sanford Children’s Hospital in Fargo, you may select “Fargo Children’s Miracle Network” on their foundation page and make a financial contribution.
If you would like us to make a donation to a NICU of your choice, you may submit a nomination along with your story on our Nominate-a-NICU page.
