When Olivia and Robert learned during a 19-week ultrasound that their baby had congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), their world shifted overnight. The condition meant that vital organs — including the stomach, liver, and intestines — had migrated into the chest, leaving little space for the lungs to develop. They faced an uncertain future for their unborn son.
Comprehensive, Specialized Support at Cincinnati Children’s
Living near Cincinnati, they turned to Cincinnati Children’s, where the Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Program recently underwent a major redesign. Their multidisciplinary team — made up of neonatologists, pediatric surgeons, cardiologists, and more — offered cutting-edge care and emotional support every step of the way.
From Hospital to Home — Faster Than Ever
Just nine days after birth, Helio had surgery to repair his diaphragm. Thanks to a slower, more gentle feeding protocol, he was fully feeding within 11 days — and came off the ventilator in a fraction of the time compared to previous cases. What doctors once expected might take months, Helio achieved in weeks. The family returned home after just over two months in the NICU, much earlier than anticipated.
A Bright Future Ahead
Now, an energetic toddler, Helio is thriving. He’s crawling, talking, and sharing silly smiles with his older siblings. While he may have scars from his journey, it’s his spirit — named after the Brazilian martial artist Hélio Gracie — that truly shines. His road to recovery would not have been possible without the coordinated, family-centered care from Cincinnati Children’s.
Read more about Helio’s remarkable recovery here.
