Connecticut Children's Blog

Connecticut Children’s new Westport Specialty Care Center already has a happy family. John B. Jr. — “JJ” to his family — is a giggly, boisterous 16-month-old from Stratford. Every couple months, he’ll visit the Neurosurgery team at the new Westport center, which opened its doors Dec. 15. This high-tech space is designed to feel welcoming and […]

Krystin Sylva always says her twins came into the world like a storm. Kali and Jada were 28-week preemies born during an actual ice storm in January – at 3:33 am, three seconds apart. They started life in the NICU at Danbury Hospital, receiving care from Connecticut Children’s neonatology experts thanks to an innovative Care […]

Last summer, Ben Kline couldn’t make it from the kitchen to his bedroom without hugging the wall. He was having trouble balancing. He had a constant headache. He was so sensitive to light, he had to stop playing video games. He was so sensitive to sound, his younger sister stopped having friends over. He lost […]

Growing up, many of us parents can remember required school scoliosis checks. What’s important to know nowadays about scoliosis? What are your child’s options if they have scoliosis? Dr. Mark Lee, Division Head of Orthopedics at Connecticut Children’s, and Dr. Jeffrey Thomson, Orthopedic Surgeon, have the answers. 1. What exactly is scoliosis, and how can […]

By: Sarah Malvezzi, Child Life specialist At Connecticut Children’s, we have a lot of practice caring for kids in a way that’s comfortable, empowering and even fun for them. If they have a surgery or procedure scheduled, you can count on us to keep them safe and sound every step of the way. You’ll probably […]

In the third trimester of pregnancy, Hattie and Donnie Donner went to one last ultrasound to check on Hattie’s thyroid levels. Her levels were fine, but something else wasn’t. The ultrasound picked up on two bubbles in the baby’s small intestines. Their baby boy had a rare, life-threatening condition called duodenal atresia. Just like that, […]

In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating the accomplishments of women in health care – including Christine Finck, MD, FACS, Connecticut Children’s first woman surgeon-in-chief and one of six women surgeon-in-chiefs at 45 children’s hospitals across the country. What inspired you to become a surgeon? Dr. Finck: I was inspired to become a surgeon […]

The staff at the hospital where Natalia Rodriguez Sabala was born hadn’t seen a patient like her in seven years. She was born with cloacal exstrophy, also known as OEIS syndrome: Her bladder and portions of her large intestine were on the outside of her belly, and her bladder was split open into two halves. […]

By: Sarah Malvezzi, Child Life specialist At Connecticut Children’s, we know how to make kids feel comfortable and special, including explaining medical procedures in a way that doesn’t feel intimidating. If your child has a surgery or procedure scheduled, you’ll probably want to talk to them about it at home too. To get started, check […]

Recently the American Academy of Pediatrics released guidelines endorsing, and advocating for, earlier access to weight loss surgery for teens with severe obesity. Is bariatric surgery right for your family? Melissa Santos, PhD, from Connecticut Children’s bariatric team joins the blog to answer your questions. What’s changed in the new weight loss surgery guidelines? The […]