Meet Amanda C., Parent Mentor at Akron Children's
Amanda's Story
Amelia “Millie” was born prematurely at 31 weeks and 3 days via C-section on March 5, 2025, at Akron City Hospital due to preeclampsia. She was immediately admitted to the NICU and transferred shortly after to Akron Children’s Hospital for continued care. Initially treated for jaundice and respiratory support with bubble CPAP, she transitioned briefly to room air but began experiencing elevated heart rates after her caffeine treatment stopped. A follow-up echocardiogram confirmed her previously detected ventricular septal defect (VSD) had closed. The elevated heart rates were attributed to the effort of breathing.
Feeding challenges emerged when Amelia was unable to latch for nursing, prompting her medical team to return her to bubble CPAP. Once she stabilized, feeds resumed with low-flow oxygen support. We chose bottle feeding to monitor intake and allow both to participate. Despite this, Amelia was only taking about 20% of her feeds by mouth after 2–3 weeks. Speech therapy was consulted, and although different bottles helped, progress was limited. She continued to have occasional bradycardic episodes.
On May 9, at 40 weeks and 5 days corrected, Amelia had a severe bradycardic episode during a feeding, prompting us to request a swallow study. It revealed she had dysphagia with a high risk of aspiration. Her body had been compensating by pushing milk back up, exhausting her during feeds. Feed thickening was initiated immediately, and within a few tries, she was taking full bottles successfully.
After 73 days in the NICU, Amelia was discharged on May 17 at 41 weeks and 6 days. Now nearly five months old (three months corrected), she is thriving—gaining weight steadily, feeding well, and reaching her developmental milestones.
Amanda is a parent mentor for these conditions: Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia, Developmental Delays, Dysphagia, Prematurity.
Amanda is a mentor for these care services: Cardiology, Feeding and Nutrition, Gastroenterology, NICU, Pulmonary
