Child's Birth Year
2024

State/Province/Territory
Connecticut

NICU Hospital for my journey
Connecticut Children’s Medical Center

My NICU Graduate's Journey
Leia was born on Sept 1, 2024 two months shy of her due date. She started off doing really well in the NICU and was quickly taken off CPAP. However, just after her due date, she still was having trouble taking more than an ounce from her bottle. Imaging discovered a double aortic arch - a vascular ring around her trachea and esophagus. She also had a very narrow trachea. After surgery to correct this, Leia still struggled with taking milk by mouth and began to struggle to breathe. She had a surgery for a g tube to be placed as well as two procedures to dilate her trachea. After almost 5 long months, Leia was discharged in January 2025.

What makes you proud of you NICU graduate?
We are so proud of her because despite what she has gone through and the challenges she has faced, she is still the happiest and and smiliest baby. She loves sweet potatoes, snuggles, and watching fishies in the fish tank. She is learning to sit, roll, and communicate in babbles and ASL. She exceeds all expectations. Her joy is infectious and unwavering.

Weight at Birth (lbs. or Grams)
2lb 3oz

Weeks Gestation
31 Weeks

Time spent in the NICU (Specify Number of Days, Months, or Years)
145 Days