Parent Blog: Emily and Dustin Kleiss

In their words

Emily and Dustin Kleiss
Lawler, Iowa

We found out Kemper had a congenital heart defect when we delivered in Mason City. We were then transferred to University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital. Kemper was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and then the regular pediatric floor for monitoring before we were sent home. 

We have been very happy with our experiences at UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital. When we first arrived we had no idea what was going to happen to our newborn baby. The doctors and nurses were very comforting and knowledgeable with a plan for her. We were some of the first ones to use the new facility and we were very impressed. I have nothing but good things to say about the care that we have received during all of our stays. Any time we have had questions while there or even at home we get fast and informative responses. 

We have seen quite a few doctors and nurses while at UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital: Ben Reinking, MD, is the one that diagnosed her after seeing her echo that was done in Mason City, and her first open heart surgery was performed in August 2017.  Since then she has had a heart catheterization done by Osamah Aldoss, MBBS, MD, and then will need one more open heart surgery and Marco Ricci, MD, MBA, will probably do that. Our pediatric cardiologist in Waterloo also works closely with the team at UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital.

For families first coming to UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital, I would say be prepared with questions and don't be afraid to ask them. All of the staff there were AMAZING! We have had great experiences with the doctors but the nurses are really what make this place the best!