What is CDH?

CDH is a congenital abnormality that is often life-threatening. This developmental defect occurs during the formation of the fetal diaphragm. The failure of the diaphragm to completely close (usually on the left hand side) during development can have devastating consequences for the unborn child. The defect allows migration of abdominal organs, including the bowel, the stomach, the spleen and sometimes the liver into the chest on the affected side. This may severely limit the growth of the baby’s lungs, causing life-threatening respiratory compromise at birth.

Shands Hospital

This is a link to the hospital where she will be delivered. This page contains an audio stream about the pediatric surgeon and an audio file about the CDH program at the hospital.

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

This is a comprehensive video about CDH and what to expect from diagnosis to birth to ongoing care.

Research Article

Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: Real Improvements in Survival by David W. Kays, MD

Parents Support Site – RealHopeForCDH.com

This site was created by parents of children who were treated by Dr. David Kays. There are some really amazing survival stories that inspire hope.