Neonatology (NICU)

When a newborn faces serious health challenges, it can be an overwhelming experience for parents. At Children’s Nebraska, our Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) provides advanced, high-level care for infants with critical health concerns, such as heart defects, breathing disorders and other complex medical issues. Our team of pediatric experts, including neonatologists, advanced practice nurses and other health professionals, all have specialized training and experience in caring for newborns in need of intensive medical support.

We recognize caring for parents, families and loved ones is just as important as caring for newborns. That's why we offer open visiting hours which allows one parent to stay with their baby around the clock. Our secure, web-based technology also enables you to monitor your baby's progress from any device, so you can stay connected even when you're not at their bedside.

When infants leave the NICU, our care team guides families to ensure a smooth transition. Our developmental care experts make sure the smallest, most fragile babies can stay on track to reach milestones with their neurologic and physical developmental goals. Our lactation consultants are also here to support breastfeeding moms.

Premature babies and other newborns can have one or more serious, sometimes life-threatening, conditions. We offer comprehensive care for infants with these or other conditions requiring intensive care:

Get to know our neonatology providers who bring hope, high-level skills and heartfelt care to infants and families during difficult times.

Nicholas S. Torbert, DO

Language: English

Specialty: Neonatology

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Eric S. Peeples, MD

Languages: Spanish, English

Specialty: Neonatology

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Ann L. Anderson Berry, MD

Language: English

Specialty: Neonatology

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Abhineet Sharma, MD

Languages: Hindi, English

Specialties: Pulmonology, Neonatology

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Courtney K. McLean, MD

Language: English

Specialty: Neonatology

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John W. Sparks, MD

Language: English

Specialty: Neonatology

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NICU care teams use special warmers, incubators (enclosed, protective beds), therapies and monitors. Providers will track the baby’s vital signs, such as breathing, heart rate and body temperature, providing continual communication. This allows our pediatric providers to recommend specialized tests and treatments based on the child’s condition including these and other options.

Beacon Gold Certification

The NICU at Children’s earned a Beacon Gold certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. This certification recognizes excellence in care for intensive care units. It’s the highest certification given by this nationally recognized organization.

Level IV NICU

Children’s has Nebraska’s only Level IV NICU. Our NICU facilities, services and teams meet strict industry standards for Level IV certification — the highest level of neonatal care available.