In a heartwarming tale of resilience and determination, we introduce you to Ada Drost, a tiny warrior who defied the odds and is now thriving despite being born prematurely. This captivating story sheds light on the remarkable advancements in neonatal care and the unwavering strength of the human spirit.

A Premature Arrival, a Family's Courage

A Sudden and Unexpected Labor

Nicole Drost's routine visit to the hospital for a stomach bug quickly took an unexpected turn when she realized she was in labor with her second daughter. With just 35 weeks and three days of gestation, Ada Drost entered the world in a whirlwind, leaving her parents, Korey and Nicole, little time to prepare. "There wasn't a whole lot of time to panic, which was maybe a good thing," Nicole recounted, reflecting on the rapid pace of Ada's arrival.

The NICU Journey: Overcoming Challenges with Strength

Born prematurely, Ada was immediately whisked away to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where she would spend the next 14 days. During this critical time, the Drost family witnessed firsthand the remarkable resilience of their tiny daughter. "She just needed extra time to learn how to eat and grow basically," Nicole explained, highlighting the dedicated care and support Ada received from the NICU staff.

Innovative Technology: Aiding Ada's Recovery

The NICU at MercyOne in Mason City had recently acquired two cutting-edge medical beds, affectionately dubbed "the spaceship beds" by the staff. These innovative devices combined the technology of an isolette and a radiant warmer, making the babies more accessible to both the medical team and the families. "They make these babies a little more accessible to both our staff and to the families," explained MercyOne Lactation Consultant and Nurse Nicole Low, who played a vital role in Ada's breastfeeding journey.

The Power of Breastfeeding and Lactation Support

Alongside the advanced medical technology, the Drost family also benefited from the exceptional lactation support provided by the MercyOne team. "I was able to help with their breastfeeding journey and witness how strong our littlest babies can be," said Nurse Low, highlighting the crucial role of lactation support in the NICU.

A Community of Care: Investing in Neonatal Health

The acquisition of the specialized medical beds at the MercyOne NICU was made possible through a grant from the Barkema Trust and the Bertha Stebens Foundation. This investment in cutting-edge technology and resources underscores the community's commitment to supporting the health and well-being of premature infants like Ada. "It's good to be able to stay local. I'm very thankful," Nicole expressed, reflecting on the importance of having access to high-quality neonatal care close to home.

A Thriving Warrior: Ada's Remarkable Progress

Today, as Ada approaches her fourth week of life, her parents, Korey and Nicole, are overjoyed to witness her steady progress and growth. "She likes to be held," Korey shared, describing their cherished moments with their resilient daughter. The Drost family's journey serves as a testament to the power of medical advancements, dedicated care, and the unwavering strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.