After an eight week stay aboard the S.S. La Rabida inpatient unit, 5-month-old Lairion was finally discharged and went home to be with his family for the very first time. Lairion was born premature and required a trach to assist with breathing and a g-tube to ensure he was getting all the necessary nutrients. To adjust to life with these medical technologies, Lairion was
transferred to La Rabida.

“I learned a lot from the team at La Rabida,” shared Karen, Lairion’s mom. “For example, I walked in on them working with Lairion on tummy time and exercises on the floor. I jumped in and they were showing me how to help him without over exhausting him. They helped both of us a lot.”

As Lairion was preparing for discharge, our rehab team wanted to make sure he had access to the tools he needed once he arrived home. Through the Pass It Forward program, Lairion’s care team provided him with an infant floor mat that will allow him to continue the progress made while at La Rabida.

“Tools like the floor mat create a safe, warm, and inviting space for play, movement, and exploration,” explained Zakiya Gilliam, Infant Development Specialist. “Tummy time was one of Lairion’s big goals while he was an inpatient. We wanted to set the family up for success so they could continue working on this at home.”

The transitional care provided by La Rabida helps ensure families have everything they need when they get home, especially when it’s for the very first time like Lairion. Our team works one on one with caregivers to ensure they know how to confidently care for their child while always providing support along the way.

“I am so blessed. Lairion’s care team was really able to help him get stronger,” said Karen. “They were there for us every step of the way and were so great during his transition home.”

This story was featured in the Winter 2020/2021 issue of Currents. Read the full issue here.