Baby Luna's CDH Story: December 2012

December 25, 2012

Merry 1st Christmas, Luna!!!!

I can't even begin to properly describe how amazing this Christmas has been. As I watched my now 9 month old daughter happily tear paper and totally disregard all the presents she received, I couldn't help but be overwhelmed with emotion. This has been the Best. Christmas. Ever. This little person has reminded me of the true meaning of Christmas. For years, I always looked forward to Christmas but was kinda underwhelmed by the actual day itself. Not this year. Luna has filled my heart with so much love and joy it feels like its going to burst. I am so blessed to have her and such loving, beautiful family.

Here's hoping you are also having a wonderful holiday!!!

What is Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH)?

CDH is characterized by the development, very early in gestation, of a hole in the diaphragm, the breathing muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen. As a result, the intestines and other abdominal organs can move into the chest and compress the developing lungs. This prevents the lungs from growing and developing normally which can cause reduced blood flow to the lungs and pulmonary hypertension.

CDH occurs in about 1 in every 2, 500 live births. The cause of CDH is not yet known. Roughly 50% of babies born with CDH do not survive. Of the 50% that do survive, most will endure long hospital stays, feeding issues, asthma, and other medical problems.