Emmalia
Meet the Garcia family, who have shown incredible resilience and determination in their parenting journey. After the unexpected early arrival of their daughter Emmalia at just 32 weeks’ gestation, weighing only 4 pounds, the family found themselves navigating the complexities of premature birth. Fortunately, they were referred to Southwest Human Development’s (SWHD) Smooth Way Home program by the NICU in Tucson, marking the beginning of a transformative support experience.
From the moment they connected with Lorraine, a specialist from SWHD, the Garcia’s were offered a wealth of resources tailored to their unique needs as first-time parents. “We were totally unprepared for having a baby two months early, but Lorraine provided us with a great foundation for understanding developmental milestones and the support we needed,” shared Emmalia’s mother.

Through regular virtual meetings, Lorraine helped the Garcia’s complete developmental screenings, which were invaluable in reassuring them as they adjusted to their new reality. “As first-time parents, we weren’t quite sure what to expect with a preemie. Knowing that Emmalia’s adjusted age made her a bit younger than other children her age was a huge relief,” Emmalia’s mom explained.
The family faced a significant hurdle when Emmalia struggled with feeding due to a severe tongue tie and lip tie. However, thanks to Lorraine’s guidance, they were quickly connected with a feeding therapist in Tucson who recommended a procedure that allowed Emmalia’s feeding to became more productive and less stressful for the entire family. “It was amazing to see the changes once the procedure was completed,” Emmalia’s mom said, recalling the newfound ease during mealtimes.
The Garcias’ journey was not just about tackling feeding challenges; it was about building confidence as parents. Emmalia’s mother reflected, “Having knowledgeable people in our corner providing us with resources we probably wouldn’t have accessed otherwise was huge. It helped us feel more confident in meeting Emmalia where she was developmentally.”
Emmalia is now a fiery spirit who loves exploring her world, showcasing her determination and sweet nature. “She loves strawberries and blueberries, but everything else goes straight to the floor for our cats!” her mother chuckled, illustrating the joys of parenting a curious toddler.
The Garcias are grateful for the supportive and empathetic resources SWHD provided during a challenging time. “There’s absolutely nothing but good things that can come from the connection with Southwest. It’s a place where parents can ask questions, access resources, and know they have a listening ear,” her mom emphasized.
Their experience with Smooth Way Home exemplifies the profound impact that early intervention and support can have on families. Emmalia’s journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of community support in raising healthy, happy children.
The Garcia family’s story is not just one of overcoming challenges; it’s a celebration of growth, love, and connection. Through the Smooth Way Home program, they have gained not only practical tools for parenting but also a deeper sense of confidence and support that will carry them forward on their journey.