Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
The Division of Neonatology at Lurie Children's provides the highest level of care to the most critically ill newborns in the region. The division cares for more than 2,000 infants each year in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Lurie Children’s and the NICU at Prentice Women’s Hospital. Our NICU is a Level IV facility, which is the highest designation in Illinois for the level of specialized expertise and comprehensive resources available to treat the smallest and sickest babies. As one of the top programs in the state and the region, we received transfers from 45 hospitals last year and we consistently receive the most referrals in Illinois from other Level IV NICU facilities. Our team specializes in:
- Neurocritical care for infants with neurological problems
- An advanced respiratory team for infants with severe lung disease
- Genetic expertise for infants with birth defects and other genetic disorders
- Specialized surgical intervention for infants with complex surgical problems
Patients in our 64-bed NICU unit have immediate onsite access to 70 pediatric medical and surgical subspecialists, which allows us to treat a patient’s every need, no matter how complex. Each newborn has his or her own room, which offers a better environment for sleep and recovery. Research shows infants in single-family rooms may experience fewer complications than infants in multi-bed wards.
The division also provides consultation for newborns in the Regenstein Cardiac Care Unit (CCU) and provides care in the Neonatal and Cardiac Intensive Care Follow-Up Clinic. This comprehensive outpatient follow-up clinic supports the development of intensive-care graduates from the NICU and the CCU to help each child reach their full potential.
Nationally-Ranked Care
Lurie Children's is ranked 12th in the nation for neonatology by U.S.News & World Report.
Approach
Our team includes highly experienced neonatologists, neonatal nurse practitioners, neonatal nurses, developmental care specialists, respiratory therapists, nutritionists, social workers and child life specialists. We take a family-centered approach to care, which means we involve the whole family in a patient’s treatment plan. Our Family Services team helps support our patients and their families mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
Known for innovation, we are home to one of fewer than 100 programs in the nation for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), a highly sophisticated mechanical heart/lung support system. Our physicians are internationally recognized leaders in the delivery of other cutting-edge therapies, such as nitric oxide for premature infants and high-frequency ventilation to help prevent lung damage. In addition, our NICU is a referral center for selective head cooling, a treatment for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.
Our facility offers direct access to Prentice Women’s Hospital, the largest birthing center in the region. This lets our team immediately care for newborns who need urgent treatment, while keeping them close to their mothers as they recover from delivery. Our neonatologists also manage more than 30,000 births each year at Lurie Children’s 11 partner hospitals, making expert care available to newborns in communities throughout Chicago and the suburbs.
Our Family-Centered Care Culture
An important part of our culture in the NICU is a focus on family-centered care. We believe that parents and caregivers are a vital part of the care team and that a collaborative approach improves care and outcomes for the entire family.
As part of our focus on family-centered care, we have created a Family Partnership Council to help us improve care for infants and families. The Family Partnership Council is a team of parents of NICU graduates united with staff to provide support, develop improvement projects, and gather parental input on new and existing NICU processes, programs, and projects.
Neonatology Programs
The Division of Neonatology has developed specialized programs to treat certain conditions in the most comprehensive way possible. Browse our list of programs to learn more about the expert-led initiatives that can help treat your child:
Neonatology Conditions We Treat
Our physicians make every attempt to stay at the forefront of treatment advances, making sure they provide our patients with the best care possible. We take specialized and evidence-based approaches to diagnosing and treating critically ill newborns. The following is a list of some of the conditions we treat.
Neonatologists & Neonatal Specialists
The following physicians and advanced practice nurses specialize in treating children with neonatal-related complications.
Aaron Hamvas, MD
Division Head, Neonatology; Raymond & Hazel Speck Berry Board Designated Professorship in Neonatology
James W. Collins, Jr., MD, MPH
Medical Director, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Lurie Children's; Attending Physician, Neonatology; Zeisler Family Neonatology Leadership Chair
Mohammad H. Alattar, MD
Attending Physician, Neonatology
Maysan Alshaar, MD
Attending Physician, Neonatology
Michael W. Balbus, MD
Neonatologist Site Leader, Lurie Children's at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital; Attending Physician, Neonatology
Taha BenSaad, MD, MBA
Neonatologist, Neonatology
Tonia Branche, MD
Attending Physician, Neonatology
Leslie A. Caldarelli, MD
Medical Director, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Northwestern Medicine's Prentice Women's Hospital
Pankaj Chhangani, MD
Attending Physician, Neonatology
Meghan A. Coghlan, MD
Attending Physician, Neonatology
Priya V. Creed, MD
Attending Physician, Neonatology
Ousama Dallal, MD
Attending Physician, Neonatology
Isabelle De Plaen, MD
Attending Physician, Neonatology
Raye-Ann Odegaard deRegnier, MD
Attending Physician, Neonatology; Marion Robinson Heise, PhD Chair in Neonatal Development
Shivani J. Desai, MD
Neonatologist
Maria L.V. Dizon, MD, MSCI
Attending Physician, Neonatology
Gustave H. Falciglia, MD
Attending Physician, Neonatology
Jessica T. Fry, MD
Attending Physician, Neonatology
Brett R. Galley, MD
Medical Director, Outreach Neonatology; Attending Physician, Neonatology
Justyna Grothaus, MD
Attending Physician, Neonatology
Jacqueline J. Guay, MD
Attending Physician, Hospital-Based Medicine
Anita Gupta, MD
Neonatologist, Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital
Arika G. Gupta, MD
Attending Physician, Neonatology
Gillian Headley, MD
Attending Physician, Neonatology
Natalia Henner, MD
Interim Division Head, Palliative Care; Attending Physician, Neonatology
Shayna D. Hibbs, MD
Attending Physician, Neonatology
Amy N. Hoyme, MD
Attending Physician, Neonatology
Deepika Kakkera, MD
Attending Physician, Neonatology
Beena D. Kamath-Rayne, MD, MPH
Attending Physician, Neonatology
Hamida Khan, MD
Neonatologist Site Leader, Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital
Janine Yasmin Khan, MD
Attending Physician, Neonatology; Medical Director, Prentice Women's Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Christina Y. Kim, MD, MPH
Attending Physician, Neonatology
Jayesh M. Kothari, MD
Neonatologist
Kenny D. Kronforst, MD, MPH
Neonatologist Site Leader, Norwegian-American Hospital; Quality Improvement Faculty, Telemedicine
Megan B. Lagoski, MD
Medical Director, Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Program; Attending Physician, Neonatology
Jeffrey L. Loughead, MD
Pediatric Medical Director, Lurie Children's at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital; Neonatologist Site Leader, Lurie Children's at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital, Lurie Children's at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital; Chair of Pediatrics, Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital
Kerri Z. Machut, MD
Attending Physician, Neonatology
Colleen Ann Malloy, MD
Site Leader, Special Care Nursery, Silver Cross Hospital; Attending Physician, Neonatology
Stephanie M. Marshall, MD
Attending Physician, Neonatology
Kacie E. McMahon, DO
Attending Physician, Neonatology
Ashok K. Mehta, MD
Neonatologist
Cassandra R. Montoya, MD
Attending Physician, Neonatology
Karna Murthy, MD
Attending Physician, Neonatology
Patrick J. Myers, MD
Attending Physician, Neonatology
Scottie Paitl, MD
Attending Physician, Neonatology
Marta Perez, MD
Attending Physician, Neonatology
Nicolas F. Porta, MD
Attending Physician, Neonatology; Co-Director, Pulmonary Hypertension Program; Associate Director, Lurie Children’s NICU
Nicole Pouppirt, MD
Attending Physician, Neonatology
William J. Reda, MD
Neonatologist Site Leader, Centegra Hospital- Huntley; Attending Physician, Neonatology
Daniel T. Robinson, MD
Attending Physician, Neonatology; Founders’ Board Neonatology Young Research Scholar
Mario Sanchez, MD
Attending Physician, Neonatology
Malika D. Shah, MD
Attending Physician, Neonatology; Medical Director, Prentice Newborn Nursery, Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Hernan Sierra-Fernandez, MD
Attending Physician, Neonatology
Miroslaw S. Skalski, MD
Attending Physician, Neonatology
Susan Slattery, MD, HSOR
Attending Physician, Autonomic Medicine, Neonatology
Kirsten Sorum, DO
Attending Physician, Neonatology
Laetitia Stamboliu, MD
Attending Physician, Neonatology
Shamik B. Trivedi, MD
Attending Physician, Neonatology
Rachel M. Weinstein, MD
Attending Physician, Neonatology
Denise Barnes, APRN-NP
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Neonatology
Rosa I. Brito, APRN-NP, NNP-BC
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Neonatology
Jennifer A. Burkett, APRN-NP, NNP-BC
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Neonatology
Jennifer L. Carpenter, APRN-NP, NNP-BC
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Neonatology
Kelcey Cassady, DNP, APRN, NNP-BC
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Neonatology
Danielle Coenen, APRN-NP
Nurse Practitioner, Neonatology
Ashley Fitzpatrick, APRN-NP, NNP
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Neonatology
Alexa Gilman, APRN-NP, NNP-BC
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Neonatology
Mimi H. Hancko, APRN-NP
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Neonatology
Jillian Hanger, APRN-NP
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Neonatology
Susan Horner, PhD, APRN-CNS, RNC-NIC, CBC
Developmental Specialist & Nurse Scientist, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Mary Hurley, APRN-NP, NNP
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Neonatology
Allison M. Jaskula, APRN-NP
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Neonatology
Bridgette E. Jones, APRN-NP
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Neonatology
Angel R. Lampkin-Kwabena, APRN-NP, NNP-BC, MA
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Neonatology
Jenny K. Lee, APRN-NP, NNP
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Neonatology
Nicole Macleod, APRN-NP, NNP
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Neonatology
Sara A. Mancuso, APRN-NP, NNP
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Neonatology
Helen Medina, APRN-NP, NNP-BC
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Neonatology
Clare A. Morello, APRN-NP, NNP
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Neonatology
Nicolette Nazanin, DNP, APRN, NNP-BC
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Neonatology
Erin E. O'Brien, APRN-NP, NNP
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Neonatology
Melissa D. Oliver, APRN-NP, NNP, RNC-NIC
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Neonatology
Melissa Perl, APRN-NP, NNP
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Neonatology
Kelly A. Peterson, APRN-NP, NNP
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Neonatology
Maureen K. Pope, MSN, APRN, NNP-BC
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Neonatology
Caroline Ryder, APRN-NP, NNP-BC
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Neonatology
Carolyn Seng, APRN-NP, NNP
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatrics
Deanna Smetana, APRN-NP
Nurse Practitioner, Neonatology
Elizabeth Smith, APRN-NP
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Neonatology
Angie Tran, APRN-NP, NNP-BC
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Neonatology
Beckie A. Tweedle, APRN-NP, NNP-BC
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Neonatology
Ellen V. Vandevender, APRN-NP
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Neonatology
Ashley Mae Warfel, APRN-NP, NNP
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Neonatology
Linda Zekas, MSN, MJ, APRN, CWOCN
Advanced Practice Nurse/Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Neonatology
Emily N. Artigiere, PA-C
Physician Assistant, Neonatology
Andrew J. Berenz, MD
Attending Physician, Neonatology
Rakhee M. Bowker, MD
Attending Physician, Neonatology
Tiffany A. DeRiggi, NP
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Angela D. Ehmke, NP
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Raymond V. Garay, NP, DNP
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Sylbi Intarakumhang, NP
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Megan A. Jones, NP
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Suhagi Kadakia, MD
Attending Physician, Neonatology
Denise M. Kirsten, NP, BSN
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Esther G. Lee, MD
Attending Physician, Neonatology
Aloka L. Patel, MD
Attending Physician, Neonatology
Kousiki Patra, MD
Attending Physician, Neonatology
Gina R. Perronie, NP, NNP
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Jennifer E. Pykosz, NP
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Kathleen N. Raftery, NP
Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse and Nurse Practitioner
Beverley Robin, MD
Attending Physician, Neonatology
Debra B. Selip, MD
Attending Physician, Neonatology
Laura M. Seske, MBS
Attending Physician, Neonatology
Jean M. Silvestri, MD
Attending Physician, Neonatology
Nishant Srinivasan, MD
Attending Physician, Neonatology
Kelly S. Sulo, NP
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Subash C. Arora, MD
Member, Children's Community Physicians Association
Cristina E. Baumker, MD
Attending Physician, Neonatology
Corryn S. Greenwood, MD
Attending Physician, Hospital-Based Medicine
Trena L. Horn, APRN-NP, NNP-BC
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Neonatology
Helen H. Kusi, MD
Neonatologist
Athena I. Patrianakos-Hoobler, MD
Attending Physician, Neonatology
Shobhana Ravikumar, MD
Attending Physician, Neonatology
Jagjit S. Teji, MD
Attending Physician, Neonatology
Emergency Transports
Physicians can arrange emergency transport of a patient to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit by calling our Transport Team.
Our Locations
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
225 E. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, Illinois 60611
312.227.4000
Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital
660 N. Westmoreland Avenue
Lake Forest, Illinois 60045
847.234.5600
Prentice Women's Hospital at Northwestern Medicine
250 E. Superior Street
Chicago, Illinois 60611
312.926.2000
Silver Cross Hospital
1900 Silver Cross Boulevard
New Lenox, Illinois 60451
815.300.1100
Lurie Children's at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital
25 N. Winfield Road
Winfield, Illinois 60190
630.933.2340
Lurie Children's at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital
300 Randall Road
Geneva, Illinois 60134
630.933.2340
Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital
10400 Haligus Road
Huntley, Illinois 60142
224.654.0544
Franciscan Health Crown Point
12750 Saint Francis Drive
Crown Point, IN 46307
219.738.2100
Research
The Division of Neonatology is involved in research projects to develop new therapies and provide the best possible care for each of our patients. Our integration of clinical and basic science research focuses on genetic and acquired lung disease, brain injury, fetal origins of disease, intestinal injury in premature newborns and optimizing nutritional support for critically ill newborns.
We participate in several clinical trials that develop and evaluate the effectiveness of new or improved treatments. Lurie Children’s plays a leading role in the Children’s Hospitals Neonatal Consortium, a collaborative group of 24 U.S. NICUs that are dedicated to developing best practices to improve outcomes for medically-complex babies. Lurie Children's was also recently accepted to the Neonatal Research Network, a collaboration between NICUs from academic medical centers across the US and a coordinating center, that investigates the safety and efficacy of treatment and management strategies for newborn infants.
Lurie Children's is a member of the NICHD Neonatal Research Network. The network, consisting of 15 NICUs from academic medical centers across the country, is dedicated to improving the treatment and health outcomes of critically ill newborn babies through rigorous research.
We are also part of Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO), a program supported by the NIH, that focuses on understanding the effects of early environmental influences on child health and development.
NICU Resources
Find helpful information and reference materials about what to expect before, during and after your child's NICU stay within our Resources section.
Training & Education
Keeping with our belief that quality education is inseparable from our quality patient care, we partner with Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine to train tomorrow’s leading pediatric physicians. As the pediatric teaching hospital for the Feinberg School, we offer several opportunities for residents to further their education in a pediatric specialty. The Division of Neonatology offers a fellowship in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine.
Neonatology News & Stories
Understanding NICU Levels
At Lurie Children’s Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs), our team is dedicated to providing the highest quality care and support for your baby and your family.
Newsweek Ranks Lurie Children’s Hospital #1 in Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery Nationally
Lurie Children’s ranked #1 in Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery in Newsweek’s list of 'America’s Best Children’s Hospitals 2024,' and was listed in the top 10 in three other specialties.
Regenerating Damaged Heart Cells
Scientists from Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute at Lurie Children’s have discovered a way to regenerate damaged heart muscle cells in mice, a development which may provide a new avenue for treating congenital heart defects in children and heart attack damage in adults.
Understanding Premature Infant Development
Premature babies may experience different development than full-term babies, but with early intervention and support, can catch up and thrive throughout their lives. Our neonatology expert answers all your questions about premature infant development.
Miranda and Isabelle’s Story: Twins’ Condition Takes a Last-Minute Turn
After being diagnosed with TTTS, a rare condition affecting twins, Roberta was referred to a specialist team at Lurie Children's Hospital. Despite challenges and complications, both girls are healthy and thriving at 19 months old.
New Approach May Prevent Deadly Intestinal Disease in Preemies
New research from Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute at Lurie Children’s and colleagues found that an investigational protein replacement protected neonatal mice from necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a deadly intestinal disease that often strikes extremely premature infants.
Philanthropy
Your support is vital in helping us continue to make a difference in the lives of patients and families. Lurie Children’s relies on philanthropic funding to enhance its programs, services and research for children. Private contributions, such as those from the Founders’ Board, help fund the NICU’s developmental care specialist’s salary. To learn more, please e-mail the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago Foundation at foundation@luriechildrens.org or call 312.227.7500.