Research
Predicting feeding difficulties in children with esophageal atresia: A proactive approach
Children with esophageal atresia are at risk for developing anastomotic strictures, or areas of esophageal narrowing, following surgical repair. Clinicians have long assumed that such strictures can cause dysphagia and feeding difficulties, but it isn’t clear whether the severity of feeding difficulties is related to the severity of a stricture. Now, findings of a recent ... Read More about Predicting feeding difficulties in children with esophageal atresia: A proactive approach
Patient Stories
Getting a diagnosis of ureteropelvic junction obstruction: Macy’s journey
“It’s ok to be afraid,” says 8-year-old Macy with a strong smile. She would know: She recently experienced a health scare that impacted everything she did, leaving her to feel like she would never get better. While celebrating Hanukkah last year, Macy was playing with her twin sister, Isabel, when she started feeling intense pain ... Read More about Getting a diagnosis of ureteropelvic junction obstruction: Macy’s journey
Our Community
Care in the classroom: Children’s behavioral health in schools
If you want to address children’s social, emotional, and behavioral health, go to where the kids are — in schools. This straightforward idea is at the heart of the Boston Children’s Hospital Neighborhood Partnerships (BCHNP). The program and its team of 17 psychologists and social workers bring behavioral health services and training directly to schools, ... Read More about Care in the classroom: Children’s behavioral health in schools
Patient Stories
Finding hope in hard times: Max’s journey with ulcerative colitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis
When Rachel’s son, Max, had a string of persistent symptoms that caused him to be in and out of their local pediatrician’s office, Rachel knew something deeper was going on. “He would wake up from a deep sleep with intense abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting, he was very sick.” Their pediatrician thought Max just had ... Read More about Finding hope in hard times: Max’s journey with ulcerative colitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis
Research
Chromosomal testing expands options for exploring causes of SIDS
When an infant or young child dies without explanation, it is not uncommon for parents to blame themselves. In some cases, unfortunately, they may be wrongly investigated by the authorities, even as they yearn for answers themselves. Most often, these answers never come. But research is slowly starting to change that. Increasing evidence suggests that ... Read More about Chromosomal testing expands options for exploring causes of SIDS
Patient Stories
From PediaSure to pizza: Benjamin’s journey with esophageal stricture
This fall, Benjamin Hawkins and his family visited a local orchard to go apple picking. It’s a beloved tradition for many people, but this visit was extra special for Benjamin: For the first time in his life, he could take a big bite out of the apple he’d just plucked from a tree. In fact, ... Read More about From PediaSure to pizza: Benjamin’s journey with esophageal stricture
Research
Genetic sequencing may open doors for newborns with hypotonia
When a baby is born with low muscle tone (hypotonia), the future is hard to predict, and families have a lot of questions. How should neonatologists care for these infants? Findings from a recent review could help provide some answers, guide appropriate interventions, and in some cases open the way to custom treatments. Diagnosing a ... Read More about Genetic sequencing may open doors for newborns with hypotonia
Health and Parenting
Your child’s imaginary friend is more than a good buddy
You can’t hear stuffed toys talking. You can’t see pretend companions coming to life. But your child probably wouldn’t imagine spending a day without them — and that’s perfectly normal behavior. Boston Children’s child psychologist Keneisha Sinclair-McBride, PhD, offers insight on how imaginary “friends” help your child develop emotionally. Lots of children have imaginary friends Children usually ... Read More about Your child’s imaginary friend is more than a good buddy
Patient Stories
Bladder surgery after Ewing sarcoma helps Paralympian get back on the slopes
Thomas Walsh’s email signature includes the phrase, “No struggle, no progress.” It’s a motto that Thomas, 27, has lived by since he was a teenager. An avid skier who has been competing since he was just 5 years old, he faced a different kind of opponent when he was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma at age ... Read More about Bladder surgery after Ewing sarcoma helps Paralympian get back on the slopes
Our Community
Diversity and inclusion: Lessons from the field
Having led workplace diversity and inclusion work for more than a decade, Rich Robles witnessed a dramatic shift in the conversations he was having about the topic two years ago. After the events of 2020 brought national attention to health and justice inequities, questions about why an organization would need a diversity and inclusion strategy ... Read More about Diversity and inclusion: Lessons from the field