Baystate Children's Hospital

Your support at the Walmart register can help change kids’ health! When you check out at your local Walmart or on Walmart.com now until July 7, you’ll have the option to donate to Baystate Children’s Hospital, your local Children's Miracle Network Hospitals member. All amounts help make miracles!

Calling all the iced coffee movers & shakers, today June 20th to join us in our challenge on Celebrate Dunkin’ Iced Coffee Day! 🧊☕️

Celebrate Dunkin’ Iced Coffee Day is a day when Dunkin’ donates $1 from each iced coffee & cold brew purchase to the Dunkin' Joy In Childhood Foundation

The Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation helps kids feel like kids, even on their most difficult days. One of the foundation’s programs is designed to place facility dogs like Isa in children’s hospitals. 💙🐾

It’s also a day to show your true blooded New Englandah colors, grab your Dunkies & share your wicked

(Don’t forget to tag us so we can share your technique!)

Check out the challenge on the Baystate Health Instagram video here: https://bit.ly/BayShakeChallenge

Today, we celebrate the extraordinary dads and father figures who bring boundless love, strength, and joy into the lives of their children.

From the late-night storytimes to the early-morning hugs, from the words of wisdom to the moments of shared laughter, you make the world a brighter place for your little ones.

Thank you for all that you do. Happy Father’s Day! 💙

Is it IBS? For most kids, tummy aches are a normal part of growing up. But for up to 5% of children between the ages 4 to 18 years, they may be a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), an intestinal disorder that can cause belly pain, gas, diarrhea, and constipation.

Dr. Menz, a pediatric gastroenterologist with Baystate Pediatric Gastroenterology & Nutrition, shares symptoms, diagnosing, treatment options, and when it's time to worry.

Check it out here and help get your kiddo feeling better: https://bit.ly/3yZFx8Q

A big congrats to Noah Salmon, awarded Pediatric Trauma Nurse of the Year at the 1st Annual Trauma Survivor Day celebration!

Earlier this year, the Sadowsky Family Pediatric Emergency Department at Baystate Children's Hospital redesigned their pediatric trauma training orientation. The training allowed the nurses to be assigned with an adult trauma trained nurse to respond to adult and pediatric traumas as well as adult resuscitations. Pedi staff also attended a trauma bootcamp to become familiarized with lifesaving treatments.

Noah was recognized by pedi and adult charge nurses for his great work in the trauma bay. The nomination read: "Noah has been a nurse in the Pediatric Emergency Department for 5 years and recently completed his advanced trauma training. He has a willingness to learn and grow which has been instrumental taking on this new role as trauma nurse. Noah has been recognized by the adult and pediatric team members for pushing himself out of his comfort zone, advocating for patients in their most critical time, and being an effective team communicator. These are all the key components needed to be successful in the trauma role. Noah is an incredible new trauma nurse and a wonderful addition to the trauma team."

Congrats, Noah!

A warm congrats on our recent Daisy Award winner, Laurie Bannish, who has been with Baystate Health for nearly 33 years! As an expert professional nurse currently on the Flex Team, Laurie was recently awarded the award for her outstanding care of a patient and family in the PICU.

The patient’s mother shared:

“My son was admitted unexpectedly to the pediatric ICU when he was just four days old. It was a very stressful time following his delivery, and I had not slept in several days. I was very worried coming up to the PICU, not only about his medical condition but also about how I would be able to care for him. Laurie welcomed me to the unit in a calm and supportive manner. She made sure I had everything I needed to get some sleep and take care of myself. Her care of my son was so calm and compassionate.

She reassured me that the team would figure out what was going on, and she made sure I got some rest. Laurie made an overwhelming and unexpected hospitalization so much easier. I am so grateful for Laurie’s care during those first hours in the PICU! I am not sure that I could have gotten through the experience without her. She is an exceptional nurse who truly embodies what the DAISY award represents.

I should mention that I am a pediatrician…[and] my worries about my child being in the PICU were a bit different because of this. Laurie was able to effortlessly and kindly support me as a parent while making sure that I also felt comfortable as a medical provider. Laurie is a skilled nurse who combines competence with compassion effortlessly for her patients and families. I will be forever grateful for her care during an incredibly stressful time. May we all provide such great care for our patients and families!”

Amazing job, Laurie!

On this Memorial Day, we at pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. To the families of these heroes, we extend our heartfelt gratitude and deepest sympathies. We understand the importance of family and the profound impact their sacrifice has on the lives of children. As we remember their selflessness, we stand with you in solidarity and appreciation. Today and always, we hold their memory close to our hearts.🇺🇸

Last week, we celebrated Trauma Survivor Day to honor our amazing Trauma team and the incredible kids and families they’ve helped. The event was full of heartwarming moments as survivors and their families reunited with care teams and shared their stories. We even handed out awards to several team members for their lifesaving and compassionate care.

Healing both mentally and physically after an accident can be a lifelong journey. That’s why are thankful to announce our partnership with the Trauma Survivor Network. This program supports survivors and their families by offering a space to learn and connect with others who understand what they’re going through. Learning and connecting with others can make a significant difference in healing journeys.

We know that unexpected events, hospital stays, and the road to recovery can be difficult and scary, especially for our little ones. But remember, you’re not alone! We are here for you and your family, every step of the way.

Learn More: TraumaSurvivorsNetwork.org

We're a proud sponsor of Lambda Beta Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.'s 4th annual Water Safety Clinic and Wellness Fair taking place in Springfield this Saturday, May 25!

FREE Water Safety Lessons will be offered to Youth, Teens, and Adults. Pre-registration is required. This event places special focus on promoting the importance for black and brown children to learn how to swim.

A special guest appearance will be made by Maritza Mcclendon, 2004 Olympic Silver Medalist, and the first African American woman to make the US Olympic Swim team and medal!

Did you know that approximately 10 people drown every day in the US, according to the CDC? An even more alarming fact is that 70 percent of African American children & 60 percent of Hispanic children in the US do not know how to swim. In partnership with USA Swimming, Sigma Gamma Rho’s Swim 1922 campaign program seeks to educate on proper water safety techniques and decrease drowning rates in inner-city communities.

Learn more & register: https://www.sgrhowesternmass.com/events.html

When you enter the new Family Care Room in Baystate’s Davis Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, you feel as if you’re in someone’s home. The walls are painted a calming shade of blue, the furniture is lightly colored and set up like a nursery, and the décor is soft and peaceful.

And, all of this was intentional.

Thanks to a generous gift from Alicia’s Angels, the redesigned Family Care Room will provide families that have a baby who passes away while in the NICU with a home-like environment to create memories privately.

Founded by Jona Sager, a NICU nurse, Alicia’s Angels supports the creation of these types of spaces in hospitals to provide families a warm and comfortable environment to say goodbye to their newborns outside of the medical environment.

“It is so important for families to have these moments with their child. Other than love, memories are the greatest gift we can give to another human being, and environment really affects those memories,” says Jona. “Some families don’t have the chance to take their baby home and create those memories in the home environment they imagined. This space helps them have a bit of that comfort within the hospital.”

Jona was inspired to create Alicia’s Angels after the loss of her own daughter, Alicia Marie, 40 years ago. Her personal experience and her role as a NICU nurse shed light on a great need for this type of space within hospitals. Along with her hardworking team of volunteers, Jona has been able to create these evidence-based, homelike spaces in two other hospitals, with Baystate Children’s Hospital being the third.

“I wanted to be able to do more when there was nothing more medically we could do,” says Jona

This need was evident to Erica Harp, inpatient pediatric palliative care nurse at Baystate Children’s Hospital, as well. She spearheaded this initiative, working with Alicia’s Angels, the team in the Davis NICU, and Baystate Health Foundation to make this space a reality.

Erica’s insight was critical on every component of the project, from concept to fabric colors. Each decision was based on research to ensure the space met the needs of families, created a calming environment, and could be functional for times outside of a family losing a child, accommodating those parents and loved ones who may just need a quiet moment to themselves outside of the busy Davis NICU.

“My ultimate dream was to create a space for bereaved families in the Davis NICU that was separate from the beeping of monitors, the crying of other babies, and the general bustle of an intensive care unit setting,” says Erica. “These parents will never have another time to be with their child in a home-like environment, but now we can help to give them that space.”

Today is International Water Safety Day!🌊 Let's make every dip, dive, and splash this summer is both a safe and enjoyable.

We are proud to support Water Safety Workshop and Clinics in our community. Our Pediatric Trauma Surgery Team is hosting a Water Safety Virtual Community Workshop in partnership with Lambda Beta Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Tomorrow, Thursday, May 16 at 6:00 pm.

Visit: https://www.sgrhowesternmass.com/events.html to join us for this free event!

We hope to see you there!

At 7 months pregnant, Cassandra was admitted to Baystate Wesson Women’s Clinic for a severe migraine, unaware that it was the start of a life-changing journey.

“When I was admitted to the hospital, I was relieved to find out that my baby was doing well, with a strong heartbeat visible on the monitor when he would stay in one spot. The Labor and Delivery nurses named him little fish because he wouldn’t stop swimming around!

Being chronically hypertensive, they wanted to monitor me closely. The care I received was incredible, but then my health took a turn.

Dr. Bradley Schroeder informed me that my labs had spiked for preeclampsia. And within hours, I was preparing for an emergency C-section. Dr. Schroeder’s action saved both mine and my son’s lives.

Grayson was born weighing only 2lbs 1oz and faced many challenges in the NICU. The nurses guided us through every hurdle. Their care extended beyond medical treatment; they provided comfort and support during this incredibly difficult time.

Grayson is a fighter. He overcame a right-sided pneumothorax, a condition where his lung collapsed due to too much assisted oxygen leaking into his chest. He required a chest tube to relieve the air, and thankfully, his lung re-inflated. He also had apnea spells, where he momentarily stopped breathing, but the NICU nurses were always there to provide immediate care and support.

They all loved Grayson. He was the only boy in the pod, and his hair was what made him famous! It wasn’t just the medical care that deserves recognition; they made him and me feel so special.

I cannot express my gratitude enough to every person at Baystate Health who helped us during our journey. Dr. Schroeder, the NICU team, and all the nurses went above and beyond to ensure Grayson’s health and wellbeing. Thanks to their care, Grayson is now a healthy and happy baby!

As someone who didn’t think I would have the opportunity to be a mother, this journey has been especially meaningful to me. I am forever grateful for the quality and compassionate care we received at Baystate Health. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.“

Send a message to learn more

Read until the end for some intuitive eating tips for your kiddos!

“As inpatient pediatric dietitians, we specialize in providing tailored nutrition plans to a wide age range of patients – from newborns to adolescents. We provide nutrition interventions for patients with failure to thrive, feeding intolerances, disordered eating, food allergies, critical illness, genetic conditions and much more! We also specialize in tube feeding (enteral nutrition) and IV nutrition (parenteral nutrition) which helps our patients get the nutrition they need to grow and develop.

A typical day for an inpatient pediatric dietitian focuses on providing comprehensive nutritional care for pediatric patients. We conduct patient assessments, provide nutrition educations, and work with the healthcare team to ensure collaborative care. We often attend rounds and family care team meetings. When conducting nutrition assessments, we consider medical history, estimated nutritional needs, social factors, and dietary preferences. In addition to direct patient care, we work on projects to improve patient care, participate in continuing education to stay up-to-date, and provide nutrition education for other healthcare members. Every day is different, and we must be ready for whatever comes our way!

The most gratifying part of our work is seeing the positive impact of nutrition interventions on patients’ health outcomes – from helping our patients and their families navigate health challenges to building relationships with patients and their families and empowering them to make informed choices. It is extremely gratifying to know that our work contributes to improving the quality of life for our patients.

A favorite topic of ours is intuitive eating! Intuitive eating for children focuses on nurturing their innate ability to self-regulate their eating behaviors. It helps to foster a healthy relationship with food and supports their natural hunger and fullness cues.

Here are some tips for practicing intuitive eating with your child:
1. Promote a positive food environment
2. Teach mindful eating
3. Offer balanced meals and snacks
4. Model healthy eating habits
5. Encourage self-regulation
6. Involve children in meal preparation

This year's National Nurses Week theme is 'Nurses Make the Difference', and we couldn't agree more!

Join us in celebrating the incredible nurses who make a positive impact in the lives of our young patients every single day. Thank you for your dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to healing. 💙

We would love to hear about nurses who have made the difference in your family’s healthcare journey. Let us know in the comments!

🌟May the force be with you! Our Jedi-tastic Child Life and Healing Arts team are empowering our patients to celebrate the force within us all!

This week, there are Star Wars giveaways, costumes, space activities, and crafts on the play deck and at bedside. A special thanks to our team and the Starlight Children's Foundation for transporting our patients to a mystical mindset. 💫

“Remember, the Force will be with you, always” -Obi-Wan Kenobi

Happy Nurses Week! 💙🩺

This week we’re celebrating the extraordinary nurses who make a difference in the lives of our youngest patients every day. Your caring hearts, calming presence & nurturing care bring comfort and healing to children and their families during difficult times.

Your dedication and compassion make a world of difference to our young patients and their families. Thank you for being the guiding light in dark moments, for your compassionate care, and for making a positive impact on their lives every single day.

This Nurses Week, we celebrate YOU! Thank you for all that you do, each and every day.

Here’s to all our extraordinary nurses! 🌟

Star Wars or Paw Wars? May the 4th be with you! 💫

Today, the Baystate Family Advocacy Center is decorated with love and hope displayed in handmade pinwheels in support of Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month. Families in the community customized their pinwheel with beautiful artwork and words of encouragement.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to our dedicated team, whose unwavering compassion serves as a beacon of support for children navigating trauma.

Let us continue striving towards a world where every child finds safety and security. 💙

In Case You Missed It: Dr. Timothy Menz recently hosted a free webinar educating parents on IBS in children, how it is diagnosed, when you should be concerned, and treatment options.

If your little one is experiencing tummy issues, take a look at this expert advice. April is National IBS Awareness Month, no better time to dive in on the topic and help your child get the support they need.

"When Your Kiddo Says, “My Tummy Hurts” Series: Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Children" (4/9/24) Some children have symptoms that alternate between diarrhea and constipation. Join Dr. Timothy Menz, Pediatric Gastroenterologist, Baystate Gastroenterology,...

🌟 Shedding Light on Child Abuse Prevention Month 🌟

April is a month dedicated to an urgent cause: preventing child abuse. Did you know that according to the WHO, millions of children worldwide suffer from abuse and neglect each year? It's a staggering reality we can't afford to ignore.

🔍 Here are some eye-opening statistics:

- In the United States alone, nearly 700,000 children are abused or neglected annually (source: National Children's Alliance).
- Studies suggest that about 1 in 7 children have experienced abuse and/or neglect in the past year (source: CDC).
- Sadly, the effects of abuse can last a lifetime, leading to physical and mental health issues, substance abuse, and even criminal behavior.

But amidst these sobering numbers, there's hope. By raising awareness and taking action, we can prevent child abuse and create safer communities for our children.

💡 Here's how you can help:

- Educate yourself and others about the signs of abuse and how to report it.
- Support organizations dedicated to preventing child abuse and providing resources to at-risk families.
- Be a compassionate listener and advocate for children in need.

Together, let's turn awareness into action and make a lasting difference in the lives of our children.

Our team at the Baystate Family Advocacy Center is a great resource to help children navigate the healing of abuse. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3xHUVpG

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network also has many resources. View those here: nctsn.org

Baystate Noble’s Education Department team members had the privilege of speaking at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield’s SMART Girls Program.

SMART Girls gives participants the space, support, and tools to navigate adolescence, and to emerge strong, healthy young adults. Topics covered during this discussion included, learning about the physical and emotional changes that accompany puberty, how to cope with stress and anxiety, when and where to seek care for their mental or physical health, and the impact of social media and self-image.

The participants had the opportunity to submit questions ahead of time, ask questions in real time, or were offered the opportunity to ask questions one-on-one with the nurse educators.

Great work team!

“From the moment I stepped into Baystate Medical Center in 2004 as a Phlebotomist/PCT in the Emergency Department, the fast-paced hustle was stimulating, but the personal connections truly shaped my experience. Each day presented new challenges and learning opportunities, allowing me to refine my leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills- essential to the medical profession.

Transitioning to a Registered Medical Assistant at Baystate Pediatric Surgery in 2022 marked a significant milestone in my career. Each day, I am engaged in a dynamic environment.

My role is multifaceted, involving clinical and administrative duties, allowing me to support the surgical team and contribute to the care of our young patients. The experience has further honed my skills in patient care, ensuring that each child’s medical journey is as smooth and comfortable as possible. It’s a position that demands attention to detail and a compassionate touch, which I strive to provide. Every smile and successful recovery are a testament to our vital work, and it’s incredibly fulfilling to be part of a team that makes such a difference in the lives of children and their families.

My journey has been more than just professional growth; it’s been about the lives I’ve encountered and the stories that have intertwined with mine. Witnessing the impact of medical interventions, from minor procedures to life-saving operations, has been incredibly humbling. It’s a narrative of dedication, a testament to the ever-changing healthcare profession, and a reminder of the joy in service to others.

My Baystate Story is one of passion, an ongoing journey of learning, and a steadfast commitment to excellence in patient care. It’s not just the changes I’ve seen in the field, but the changes within myself, growing alongside the community I serve.”

-Crystal Melendez, Registered Medical Assistant, Pediatric Surgery