Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) & Chronic Lung Disease Center

Coordinated Care from NICU to Home

Our team at Connecticut Children’s begins treating many patients before they leave the NICU, so babies are ready for discharge and follow-up care. By creating a coordinated care plan early, we can support families as they navigate life after discharge.

Expertise Across Pediatric Specialties

BPD affects more than a child's lungs. At Connecticut Children’s, you’ll work with experts in pulmonology, neonatology, gastroenterology, cardiology, otolaryngology (ENT), nutrition, respiratory therapy, speech and feeding therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy.

Long-Term Care and Support

Many children with BPD get stronger as they grow, but some need extra support along the way. That's why we're here long after your child leaves the NICU.

Our team follows your child's progress closely and helps guide each next step, from managing medications to reducing oxygen support when the time is right. Most families see us regularly, and we're always available if new questions or concerns come up.

Our pulmonology team stays connected with families between visits, helping answer questions, refill medications and provide support when it's needed most. Our goal is to make caring for your child feel less overwhelming and give you confidence every step of the way.

Family-Centered Care 100% Dedicated to Kids

You, too, are members of your child’s care team. We work closely with families to simplify the complicated, answer questions and help coordinate appointments, therapies and resources.

You can expect Connecticut Children’s to follow your child through every stage of their journey. 

Early evaluation and personalized care 

Many children begin their journey with the Connecticut Children's BPD Center while they are still in the NICU. For babies born prematurely, BPD is often identified during their hospital stay as doctors monitor how their lungs develop and the breathing support they need.

Our team gets involved early to better understand your child's unique needs and create a personalized plan for care. Through regular multidisciplinary BPD rounds, specialists from pulmonology, neonatology and other areas work together to review each child's progress, guide treatment decisions and support families throughout their hospital stay.

Before your child goes home, we help prepare for the next stage of care and create a plan for ongoing follow-up. We also evaluate other factors that can affect your child's health, including breathing, feeding, growth and development.

Because every child is different, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to BPD care. Our goal is to provide the right support at the right time—helping children grow stronger and giving families confidence throughout the journey.

Discharge home from NICU

Before we discharge your child, we’ll offer guidance and support to help prepare for life at home, including care coordination and follow-up planning.

Ongoing care as your child grows

Caring for your child continues long after the NICU. Here at Connecticut Children’s, we provide coordinated care from infancy through childhood, helping families feel supported during life’s milestones at home, beyond the hospital.

Our team follows your child’s breathing, growth, development and changing medical needs over time. We work closely with your family, your child’s primary care provider and other specialists to make sure your child receives the right care at the right time.

Whether your child needs home oxygen, breathing support, feeding support or regular monitoring, our team is here to help. As your child grows, we continue to adjust their care plan, monitor progress, address new concerns and support them in reaching their fullest potential.

Related Conditions We Treat

Here at Connecticut Children’s, we treat children with:

• Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and Chronic lung disease of prematurity
• Pulmonary hypertension associated with prematurity and chronic lung disease
• Ongoing oxygen dependence or home respiratory support, including positive pressure support (CPAP, BiPAP), and mechanical ventilation
• Feeding, swallowing, growth, and nutrition concerns related to prematurity and chronic lung disease
• Sleep-related breathing disorders
• Airway abnormalities, including tracheostomy-dependent children and patients requiring home mechanical ventilation, airway clearance and chest physiotherapy

Research and Innovation  

Connecticut Children’s Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) Center is committed to improving care for infants and children with BPD and chronic lung disease of prematurity.

Our team is involved in research to better understand how BPD affects children over time and how we can improve treatment and long-term outcomes. We also work to improve care both in the NICU and after discharge, helping children and families receive the support they need at every stage.

By combining clinical expertise with ongoing research and innovation, we continue to advance care for children with BPD and help shape the future of treatment for this complex condition.