Maverick’s Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) Journey
Babies born with Maverick’s heart condition and a restrictive or absent communication between the top two chambers of the heart, are born with abnormal lungs, in addition to the heart defect. In fact, most of these babies do not survive after birth. Maverick underwent creation of an opening in the top two chambers of the heart in fetal life with a stent, to allow him to be stable after birth..
New Fetal Surgery Treatment for Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
Fetal Health Foundation Medical Advisory Board member Dr. Ahmet Baschat and 2015 Recipient of the Brianna Marie Memorial Research grant Dr. Jena Miller are co-authors of a new Johns Hopkins Center for Fetal Therapy study that gives hope to families experiencing a diagnosis of fetal congenital diaphragmatic hernia.
Lucy’s sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) story
Lucy’s tumor was Type 3, both internal and external, and much larger than her doctors considered operable. It was also mostly solid, which meant it required a blood supply, causing the heart to work harder to supply blood to both the baby and the tumor.
How to Holiday Shop for the New Parents on Your List
Gift ideas can be hard to come by when you’re getting ready for the holidays; some friends and loved ones are just plain hard to buy for, or you may be on a budget that keeps you from buying the items you really want to get. When it comes to the new parents on your list, however, there are so many great choices that will help them feel better as they go through all the roughest parts of parenthood.
Foods to Avoid When Pregnant
Whether it’s your first or fifth pregnancy, this is a special time.
It is crucial to carefully consider what you are eating and make sure you are on a healthy balanced diet throughout your pregnancy.
While you may have to cut out some foods for nine months, some are okay in small amounts.
PTSD and the NICU: When the Feelings Linger
9 years after our 100-day stay at the NICU, I was suddenly paralyzed by PTSD. Every horrible feeling of fear, anxiety, despair, and anger came flooding back all at once, as a sucker punch to the gut. Emotional scars I thought long healed were bleeding again, as I hurt for my friend and for my own experiences.
The Best Possible Chance at a Fantastic Life
I saw my physician’s name come across my phone screen, and my heart sank. He explained that the ultrasound showed an abnormality, and he predicted a spina bifida diagnosis. I had no idea what that meant, and the rest of the words coming out of his mouth became a blur.
Noelle’s Light
I was so, so terrified. Not for me, but for her. Would she be okay? Would she be in pain? Please just save her! As I wheeled away from my family, the only feeling I remember is fear. In the OR, faces I didn’t know surrounded me. I was squeezing the hand of a person I’d never met as they prepped me for the emergency C-section.
Eli’s Story: Finding a Miracle at the End of a Diagnosis
“There’s a major problem with your pregnancy.” Are words no expecting parents anticipate hearing. At our routine twenty-week ultrasound, the ultrasound technician got the doctor, and we heard the words that would forever change our lives. “The bladder isn’t releasing urine” and “the amniotic fluid level is dangerously low.”
Babywearing and the Impact It Has on the Bond Between Baby and Caretaker
Kangaroo care (KC, sometimes referred to as “skin-to-skin”) is the most optimal way to promote close contact and can be done by placing your diapered (undressed) baby on your bare chest. This seemingly insignificant practice will actually promote a strong and healthy relationship between caregiver and baby while helping baby thrive exponentially.