A Great Head Start

That’s what three-month-old Avery received

When the big day came, Avery Morgan Davis was born a happy, healthy baby, much to the delight of her parents, Rob and Angela of Bethlehem Township. But just a few hours after her birth at Lehigh Valley Hospital, it became apparent Avery needed special attention.

“Her blood sugar was low, and she had some difficulty feeding,” says Angela, 30. Avery was born nine days late at 6 pounds, 1/4 ounce. During the last week of pregnancy, Angela’s placenta—which nourishes the baby—wore thin. As a result, Avery lost about 11 ounces before birth.

To help Avery thrive, neonatologist Erika Yencha, M.D., and a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) team monitored her blood sugar, gave her a feeding tube for nourishment and intravenous fluids to keep her hydrated. “Their confidence made me calm,” Angela says.

Six days later, Avery came home, where her proud family—including grandma and grandpa Denise and Stephen Kuhns of Macungie and Avery’s sister, Regan—awaited. “When we toured the hospital before Avery was born, we saw the NICU but never imagined we’d need it,” Angela says. “Now I’m grateful it was there for us.”

A Healthy Vision for Children

The Pediatric Specialty Center at Lehigh Valley Hospital— Muhlenberg is home to more than 50 doctors who care for children, including pediatric neurologist Boosara Ratanawongsa, M.D. (below, with Ava, 3, of Easton, Pa.). To further the hospital’s commitment to children’s care, local philanthropists Bill and Phyllis Grube made a large investment this year—a $2 million gift to fund an Endowed Chair in the Pediatric Subspecialties. It will help Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network attract the finest pediatric physicians to serve the needs of children for years to come.

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