neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)

Sebastian Brook is what his parents call ‘the exception.’
December 8, 2025

Minutes to hours, to weeks, months and years … How a patient defied the odds

Born at 34 weeks gestation June 8, 2023, Sebastian Brook was admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt with severe hydrocephalus and tetralogy of Fallot.

By Jessica Pasley
Sheridan Clawson and her son, Casey, in the NICU at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. (photo by Susan Urmy)
November 25, 2025

New NICU program cares for infants with complex lung and airway diseases

Over the past two decades, there has been a steady increase in the number of patients born preterm with severe lung disease requiring highly specialized care.

By Jessica Pasley
(photo by Erin O. Smith)
November 10, 2025

Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt honors Scott and Sandi Borchetta

Longtime supporters of Monroe Carell, the Borchettas’ latest philanthropy builds on their ongoing commitment to the hospital’s NICU services.

By Paige Turner
October 7, 2025

Human milk pasteurization method impacts preterm infant microbiome

Researchers used whole-metagenome sequencing to assess the composition, diversity and functional enrichment of the preterm infant gut microbiome — the microorganisms that aid digestion, immune function and metabolism.

By Leigh MacMillan
Brittany Saunders, holding her son, Bennett, talks with Julia Peredo, DNP, APRN, during a telehealth visit. (photo by Susan Urmy)
August 15, 2025

NICU babies are going home weeks earlier thanks to an iPad

The NICU Bridge to Home program is a remote monitoring initiative designed to support families during their transition from the hospital to home.

By Jessica Pasley
Greg and Monica Barton at home with their sons, Carter, left, and triplets Matthew, John and Weston.
July 31, 2025

Turn left for the plan, turn right for the miracle: when triplets couldn’t wait for Nashville

Triplets decided to enter the world at 26 weeks. The plan was Nashville, but it was a left turn and an hour away. Would choosing the local hospital be right?

By Danny Bonvissuto
June 30, 2025

Tennova Healthcare-Clarksville announces new NICU medical director

Diane Attardi, MD, has a long history of caring for NICU babies as a neonatologist and NICU medical director throughout the Northeast.
May 21, 2025

Picture Perfect Pair: Kangaroo-A-Thon 2025 (slideshow)

"Kangaroo Care" is more than just a practice — it's a powerful connection between parent and child that creates lasting benefits for both.
By Donn Jones
May 20, 2025

$5 million gift from Scott and Sandi Borchetta to support NICU program

Longtime friends of Monroe Carell, the Borchettas’ latest gift builds on their ongoing support of the hospital’s NICU services.
By Christina Echegaray
December 18, 2024

The man who gave Angel 1 its wings

“How much closer to an angel can you get than a little bitty baby struggling for life?” said Dean Driver, 91, who converted a panel truck into VUMC’s first neonatal transport in his driveway.
By Danny Bonvissuto
November 26, 2024

Patient’s family experiences healing power of music

Music therapy focuses on the use of music to help patients with chronic pain, physical rehabilitation, psychiatric symptoms, end of life, procedural support and coping with hospitalization and disease.
By Jessica Pasley
September 5, 2024

Taking Everett home: Born with only days to live, the little boy’s family got to show him the room they had prepared for him, let the sun shine on his face, and surround him with love

The Monroe Carell transport team is best known for bringing babies to the hospital. Sometimes, though, the journey goes home.
By Christina Echegaray
September 5, 2024

From a bread truck to a fleet: ‘Angel’ transport celebrates 50 years of giving critically ill children a fighting chance

The first of its kind in the region, the Neonatal and Pediatric Transport team launched under the direction of Mildred T. Stahlman, MD, a neonatal medicine pioneer who created the first modern NICU in 1961. The goal: to give babies a fighting chance.
By Christina Echegaray