MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach

Clubfoot is a deformity in which an infant's foot is turned inward, often so severely that the bottom of the foot faces sideways or even upward. Our Orthopedic Center treats more than 100 clubfoot cuties each year. We’re able to treat most cases using nonsurgical methods using bracing and casting. Meet our amazing team: Dr. Emory Chang (Doctor), Annette (RN), Ramonna (Child Life Specialist) and Yezenia (Orthopedic Casting Tech). #worldclubfootday #clubfoot #millerchildrens #childrenshospital #orthopedics

CALLING ALL BLOOD AND PLATELET DONORS! Please help us save our patients. The COVID-19 pandemic has left our blood supplies dangerously low, prompting a critical and urgent need for blood. Donating blood is the easiest way to save a life. Blood transfusions help our kids dealing with different illnesses ranging from common to life threatening to our new moms and their newborn babies. All blood types are needed, but in particular, O+ blood (universal donors) are in extr...eme demand. During the pandemic, you may have thought, "What can I do to help?" As the COVID-19 crisis rolls on, please if you are serious about offering help donate blood today. Your blood donation gives our youngest patients a better chance at a healthy life. Schedule an appointment to donate blood to our Blood Donor Center as soon as you can by visiting memorialcareblooddonor.org or calling (562) 933-0808. All donors have a chance to win an Amazon gift card. #DonateBlood #BloodDonation #DonateBloodSaveALife #BloodDonor #MillerChildrens See more

Today, we remember and honor those who have served and made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our nation. #MemorialDay

Serenity was born at 24 weeks (16 weeks early) and weighed only 11.6 oz. not even a full pound! She’s been in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) on a ventilator for 33 days and now weighs 15.3 oz. Last week, thanks to our nurses, neonatologists, respiratory care practitioners and physical therapists, Serenity’s mother got to hold her for the first time. #MillerChildrens #NICU #NICUBaby #SkinToSkin #MillerChildrensNICU

Early in her college years, Makenna joined the softball team at Hope International University. Unfortunately, she quickly began to notice her energy decreasing and was eventually unable to play the sport as she felt her body gradually becoming weaker. Since Makenna was born with a ventricular septal defect (VSD) a type of congenital heart defect her family rushed her to her cardiologist to find out what was wrong. After her visit, she was immediately taken to our Emergenc...y Department, where she was then admitted into our Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit (CTICU). Our CTICU team diagnosed her with endocarditis, an inflammation and infection of the heart’s inner lining, including its valves. Makenna’s aortic valve had been eaten through by bacteria and three out of four of her heart valves were seriously damaged. Makenna was in a rare, life-threatening situation. That’s when she was rushed in for emergent open-heart surgery with Dr. Shaun Setty, where her aortic valve was replaced and two other valves were repaired. She spent only five days in our CTICU and was cleared to go home. Today, Makenna is back playing softball. Tonight, she celebrated her survival alongside Dr. Setty, Dr. Christopher Tan (her cardiologist) and medical director of our CTICU, Dr. Constantinos Chrysostomou, during MemorialCare night at Los Angeles Angels stadium. Makenna was honored as a cardiac survivor during the pre-game ceremony. Read more about Makenna: https://www.millerchildrenshospitallb.org//makenna-survive

This evening, we unite with people across the nation to honor our patients, neighbors and loved ones who have lost their life to COVID-19. #COVIDMemorial #COVID19LongBeach #MillerChildrens

Today, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. What are you doing in service of others? We invite you to share in the comments below. #MLK #MartinLutherKingJr #mlkday

We’re creating a time capsule to commemorate our 50th anniversary. Years from now when it’s opened, we want the voices of our patients and community to be heard. Become part of our history by submitting an idea or a short essay about your experience with our hospital to be included in the time capsule. Submit an Idea or Essay: https://www.millerchildrenshospitallb.org/abou/time-capsule #millerchildrens #childrenshospital #kidshealth #timecapsule #anniversary

More than 40 of our physicians have been recognized among the best in their fields by the 2021 Southern California Super Doctors report. This is especially humbling to physicians during a global pandemic. This recognition from Super Doctors reaffirms that our physicians across the spectrum of pediatric and maternity care at Miller Children’s & Women’s are some of the brightest and best in the region, says Graham Tse, M.D., chief medical officer, Miller Children’s & Women’s.... Read more: https://bit.ly/3oo3X1l #MillerChildrens #ChildrensHospital #HealthCareHeroes #SuperDoctors2021

Santa Baby! We know that the holiday season feels different this year, but our BirthCare Center wouldn’t let 2020 stop it from keeping up our 55+ year tradition of sending newborn babies home in keepsake stockings. #MillerChildrens #DecemberBaby #Newborn #NewbornPhotography #ChristmasBaby #FirstChristmas #ChristmasStockings #SantaBaby

Today, Turner Construction Company handed over the keys to our new Cherese Mari Laulhere Children’s Village, signifying the end of construction for this exciting project. Over the next two months, we will continue moving in equipment and putting the finishing touches on the building, which will open for patients in late February. #ChildrensVillage #ItTakesaVillage #MillerChildrens #KidsHealth #ChildrensHospital #TurnerConstruction #caarchitects

This holiday season we are open and ready to care for your family. Please keep our staff and their families in mind as you make your holiday plans. #MillerChildrens #COVID19LongBeach #StopTheSpread #HASC #COVID19 #SafetyFirst #InThisTogether #MaskUp

By the time Joseph was 2-years-old, he was on a range of medications for his asthma, but the typical treatments just weren’t enough. Joseph’s mom Michelle turned to our Children’s Pulmonary Institute for answers. Testing confirmed that Joseph also suffered from allergies, which can commonly trigger asthma, and make it more difficult to treat. Because of the complexity of his diseases, Joseph is now seen at our Severe Asthma Clinic. We’re one of only two hospitals in the state... to have this unique program. In one visit, Joseph is able to see his pediatric pulmonologist Dr. Cyrus Shahriary, his pediatric allergist/immunologist Dr. Vincent Devlin, and a team of other medical professionals. Together, the team created a plan to get Joseph’s asthma under control. Joseph now takes two biologic medications. Biologics target a specific antibody, molecule, or cell involved in asthma, and in this case help reduce inflammation in his lungs. The team continues to monitor Joseph’s lung function, and as of his last visit, he is now in the well controlled range. Read more about his journey: https://www.millerchildrenshospitallb.org//success-/joseph #asthma #pulmonology #childrenshospital #millerchildrens #kidshealth #pulmonologist

Long Beach Fire Department wasn’t going to let COVID-19 stop them from spreading holiday joy to our patients. Today, they hosted a virtual holiday event that gave patients an inside look of Long Beach Fire Station 8. And no holiday event would be complete without a visit from Santa. In true fire department fashion, Santa made a surprise entrance by sliding down the fireman’s pole. He took calls from dozens of patients, who were ecstatic to share their Christmas wish list directly with the big man in red. #millerchildrens #childrenshospital #LBFD #LongBeachFire #firefighters #childlife #holidays

Creed has spent the first 365 days of her life in the hospital. Born at 28 weeks, she weighed 2 lbs. 2 oz. and was immediately admitted to our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. After several months, she was transferred to our Cherese Mari Laulhere Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Today, in celebration of her first birthday, Creed went outside for the first time in her life. With her parents, grandparents, and care team by her side, Creed felt the sunshine on her face. Happy birthda...y, Creed! We’re honored to celebrate your birthday with you. #MillerChildrens #NICU #NICUBaby #PICU #BirthdayGirl #FirstBirthday #FirstBirthdayParty

We received a charitable grant of $50,000 from the Valero Energy Benefit for Children, despite the cancellation of the Valero Texas Open golf tournament. The funds will be used toward the construction of an ambulation track in the outdoor therapy yard of our future Cherese Mari Laulhere Children’s Village, which will open in early 2021. The track will be painted in vibrant colors and have numbers on it. Patients will be able to walk, hop or use a scooter or tricycle around t...he track. The track will give our physical, occupational and speech therapists the ability to be creative and make therapy sessions fun for kids of all ages. It will also get our patients outdoors and in a natural environment, which is beneficial to their recovery. #childrenshospital #millerchildrens #physicaltherapy #speechtherapy #occupationaltherapy #ittakesavillage #childrensvillage #FueledByGiving #FueledByValero See more

Our Bickerstaff Family Center is celebrating 25 years of zero HIV transmissions from mother to baby for families under our care. Our care team has consistently focused on leading research and treatment initiatives to maintain zero transmissions since the 1990s. We’re so proud of our team for reaching this momentous achievement! #WorldAIDSDay #AIDS #AIDSAwareness #MillerChildrens #ChildrensHospital

New cases of Type 2 diabetes in kids have continued to rise over the last two decades. More than 80 percent of all kids with Type 2 diabetes are overweight and about 40 percent are obese. Increases in obesity is linked to the rising rates of type 2 diabetes. If a child is diagnosed with prediabetes, it’s important that the whole family takes action to help support and prevent their child from getting type 2 diabetes. Learn more about the prediabetes epidemic in youth in this ...article by Dr. Rebecca Hicks, medical director of our Endocrine & Diabetes Center: https://www.millerchildrenshospitallb.org//managing-contin #Prediabetes #ChildhoodDiabetes #DiabetesPrevention #DiabetesAwarenessMonth #MillerChildrens

On Feb. 25, at 33-weeks pregnant, Raeanne enjoyed a nice dinner with her husband and 7-year-old daughter. Around 8 p.m., she felt a little off and dizzy, so she decided to go to bed. Raeanne woke up several times throughout the night, but that was part of her normal pregnancy routine. But, when she woke up again at 1 a.m., she knew something was wrong. I rushed to the bathroom and I could feel all the color leave my face and I started throwing up everywhere, says Raeanne. When I was finally able to stand up, I looked around and saw blood all over the floor. Read more: https://www.millerchildrenshospitallb.org//s/raeanne-riley #MillerChildrens #Maternity #Pregnancy #BirthCareCenter #NICU #UnderOneRoof

Happy Halloween from our NICU patients and their families! Since some of our NICU babies are so small, they wear doll clothes for their costumes, and this year we received a generous donation of clothes from Timmons Subaru of Long Beach. Be sure to have a safe and spook-tacular Halloween. #NICU #MillerChildrens #NICUBaby #NICUBabies #Halloween

Missing out on an annual tradition like trick-or-treating can be challenging, especially for young children. This is something our child life specialists know well. Each year, they plan a hospital-style trick-or-treating route for our patients, but because of COVID-19 they had to come up with a new plan this year. Our entire hospital pitched in to help them host our first ever socially distanced Halloween celebration that was safe for our patients, families and employees. Our... patients were brought one by one into a transformed auditorium complete with themed decals on the floor to keep them socially distanced. Dressed up as their favorite characters, they received Halloween themed goodies from our employees each one representing a different hospital department. However your family chooses to celebrate, we wish you a safe and happy Halloween! #Halloween #ChildrensHospital #ChildLife #ChildLifeSpecialist #MillerChildrens

Congratulations to Sheeba Contreras, a registered nurse in our The Larry & Helen Hoag Foundation Urology & Nephrology Center, for being chosen as our quarterly DAISY Foundation honoree! Sheeba was nominated by not only one, but three of our families for always going above and beyond. She was thanked by all three families for always taking the extra step to ensure that our young patients understand their treatments and that their families feel at ease. A mother of one of her... patients who underwent surgery says, She arranged all our appointments, she told us step-by-step what was going to happen so that we felt confident and less afraid when that day came. She definitely made us feel cared for and I believe that it was her passion as a nurse that made a difference during a worrisome time in our lives. Thank you, Sheeba, for always making sure our patients and families are comfortable and cared for. #DAISYHonoree #DAISY #RN #RegisteredNurse #PediatricNurse #PediatricRN #MillerChildrens

Thanks to our child life specialists, this clubfoot cutie has a custom onesie! Our Orthopedic Center specializes in treating clubfoot a congenital foot abnormality in which an infant's foot is turned inward. Casting that starts shortly after birth is a common treatment to correct clubfoot. At our Orthopedic Center, our child life specialists are always there to make treatments a little less scary for our patients and even their families. #childlife #millerchildrens #childrenshospital #orthopedics #clubfoot #clubfootbaby #clubfootcutie #clubfootjourney #childlifespecialist

How it started How it’s going. In early 2021, we will open the doors to our Cherese Mari Laulhere Children’s Village. This project has been decades in the making, and we can’t wait for you to step inside! Why are you excited for the Children’s Village to open?... #ChildrensVillage #Village #ItTakesaVillage #MillerChildrens #ChildrensHospital #LongBeach

At 23-weeks pregnant, Amanda’s water broke. She immediately was admitted to the Perinatal Special Care Unit in our Cherese Mari Laulhere BirthCare Center. Our team delayed delivery for three weeks and Quinn Elizabeth was born on New Year’s Eve weighing only 1 lb. 13 oz. and measuring at 11 inches. During her 140-day stay in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Quinn experienced ups and downs, but the biggest curveball of all hit in March a pandemic. While Quinn was fine..., her parents had to adjust their visiting schedule. To celebrate her graduation from the NICU, the care team hosted a special graduation ceremony, complete with a procession and commencement speech. When the visitation guidelines changed, my husband and I would take turns spending time with Quinn, says Amanda. We only saw each other for about an hour each day, but everyone made us feel comfortable at our ‘home away from home.’ Even though this was a very difficult time for us, we always knew we were in good hands. Read Quinn’s story: http://ow.ly/Bja650BSQUx #MillerChildrens #NICU #NICUBabies #NICUBaby #NICUGraduate

Recently, our Cherese Mari Laulhere Pediatric Intensive Care Unit collaborated with MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center's Comprehensive Stroke Center to implemented telemedicine technology to quickly diagnose strokes in children. This is a unique benefit of our full service children’s hospital sharing a medical campus with an adult hospital. We are proud to be one of a few children’s hospitals that uses telemedicine technology specifically for strokes. Read more about th...is innovative technology: https://www.millerchildrenshospitallb.org//cherese-mari-la #millerchildrens #childrenshospital #strokecare #stroke #BEFAST #pediatricstroke #childstroke #telemedicine

Our pediatric nurses play a critical role in advancing the care that is most needed for children in our region. And they do it all with compassion and warmth while addressing the unique physical and emotional needs of the young patients they treat. On behalf of our patients and community, we wish them a happy Pediatric Nurses Week! Has one of our pediatric nurses made a difference in your child’s life?... #proudpediatricnurse #pediatricnursesweek #childrenshospital #kidshealth #millerchildrens #nurses #nursing

Every day kids with sickle cell disease battle some tough symptoms that come along with this life-long disease. Our Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute offers a Sickle Cell Program that provides sickle cell disease diagnosis, treatment and long-term health management care from birth through young adulthood. Read this article by Dr. Maritza Ruiz that shares information on the new-aged treatments that we are offering patients to help improve their quality of life and overall well-being. https://www.millerchildrenshospitallb.org//battling-sickle #sicklecelldisease #millerchildrens #childrenshospitals