Milan's NICU Story

Moments after Milan was born at the Family Birthplace at Memorial Hospital Miramar, her mom, Dadrian, didn’t hear normal newborn sounds. Then she heard the dreaded “Code Blue.”

“A nurse told me she’s having some breathing issues. They put her on a breathing tube in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) and then they told me they’re transferring her to Joe DiMaggio,” said Dadrian.

At Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Wasie NICU in Hollywood, doctors performed differential diagnoses and discovered choanal atresia, a structural blockage in the back of her nose.

“I was able to drill into and slowly tear down the choanal atresia,” said Sweeti Shah, DO, pediatric otolaryngologist and head and neck surgeon. Soon Milan was breathing on her own. “It’s rewarding because our team identified the problem, fixed it, and worked together so she healed properly, she added.”

“It’s a symphony of all the specialties that makes us unique,” agreed Rune Toms, MD, neonatologist leading Milan’s team. “The level of care is that much higher.”

“I trust them,” concluded Dadrian while feeding Milan. “She’s getting the best care possible.”