Amazing Amar

Amar was born at just 28-weeks gestation at Connecticut Children’s Hospital in April 2024, weighing just 1 pound, 2.6 ounces. He was diagnosed with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia, also known as chronic lung disease of prematurity. At birth, he was intubated and required chest tubes to breathe. 

“He was the most critical baby in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) at the time,” his mother, Alina, recalled. “They didn’t know if he was going to make it.” 

While in the NICU, Amar was placed on CPAP and required a complex medication regimen, including sedation and paralysis, to help his body grow stronger. In October, he underwent surgery for a gastrostomy tube, tracheostomy, central venous catheter placement and repair of a left inguinal hernia. He was then transferred to the PICU. 

As Amar’s body began to tolerate the tracheostomy, and he grew more stable, he was medically cleared for comprehensive rehabilitation and ventilator weaning, and transferred to Blythedale’s inpatient hospital in January 2025. 

At Blythedale, Amar would be cared for by a clinical team including physicians and therapists who would oversee his progress.  

Dr. Rebecca Starling, a pediatric critical care trained physician and a member of Amar’s clinical care team, said, “There are a number of infants and toddlers that come from NICUs still needing a lot of support, not just physical rehabilitation. Respiratory rehabilitation is one of our areas of expertise.” 

On Blythedale’s 46-bed Infant and Toddler Unit, dedicated pediatricians and pediatric hospitalists provide 24/7 medical care, coordinate subspecialty services, and supervise the discharge planning process. Pediatric nurse practitioners are assigned to each unit alongside Blythedale’s experienced nursing staff.  

During daily rounding including Dr. Starling, Dr. Shahrzad Mohammadi and nurse practitioner Julie Miezejeski, MSN, CPNP-PC, RNC- NIC, IBCLC, the multidisciplinary team closely monitored Amar’s progress with ventilator weaning and updated Alina on her son’s recovery.  

“I felt like I had a voice here,” Alina said. “The team would say Amar was ready to decrease his settings, and I wasn’t sure yet. They would say, ‘Okay, Mom, we think he’s ready, but let’s wait until you’re comfortable.’” 

Alina also trained through the Hospital’s Parent and Family Education Program to learn how to care for her medically complex son. The comprehensive curriculum included learning how to change Amar’s tracheostomy and gastrostomy tubes, manage his ventilator, and administer his complex medication regimen. Parents and caregivers like Alina receive extensive training and support prior to discharge at Blythedale, working with specially trained nurse educators and respiratory therapists from admission to the day they go home. 

“Blythedale gave me the opportunity to be Amar’s mom,” Alina said. “I used to have to ask to touch my son. I used to have to ask to pick up my son. I pick him up here. I bathe him. I rock him.” 

Alina’s nurse educator, Corinne Oppedisano, RN, loved watching her transformation as Alina grew more confident in her role as a “medical mom,” caring not only for her son’s complex needs but also for the everyday tasks of parenthood. 

“The training that we provided her really made her a true caregiver for him because she was able to then do all of these things independently,” said Oppedisano. “She’s really grown into an amazing caregiver and a mother. She’s an amazing mom.” 

A crucial part of her training was learning portable ventilator management, which allows her to take Amar to medical appointments and outside the Hospital and into his community. With the portable ventilator, Amar was able to go outdoors, and participate in Blythedale’s Infant Program where he learned to reach typical childhood milestones. 

Each day brought Amar closer to discharge.  

“Amar has grown so much,” said Dr. Starling. “When we first met him, he really couldn’t do anything because of his respiratory status. His ability to breathe during activities was so limited.” 

Today, Amar is an active little boy who enjoys exploring the world around him. 

In August, he was discharged from Blythedale and went home with his family, ready for the next step in his journey.