FAQ on a CDH Delivery
If you are reading this, you were likely told that you are having a CDH baby. This one sentence carries so much weight, so much confusion, and brings up so many questions. We have compiled a list of questions and concerns regarding delivery that we hear often and hope they will help ease your mind and navigate this diagnosis.
Will I need an induction? When? Most doctors will choose to do an induction between around 38-39 weeks. This allows for better control over when the delivery happens and helps make sure the team is at the hospital and ready for your CDH baby's arrival. However, this will depend on your medical history and your doctor's preferences. Some doctors may opt for early or later inductions, no induction, or a c-section.
Can anyone be with me when I deliver? Typically the delivery of CDH babies takes place in an operating room (OR) because it is larger and allows more room for needed healthcare professionals, and allows a c-section to take place if needed quickly. As such, it is typical that only one person may go back with you since the room is already very crowded. In special circumstances, two people have been allowed to go back, but permission generally must be granted in advance. Many of our families have their spouse go back with them to the OR, and a close relative or friend wait for mom back in the labor & delivery room while dad goes with the baby to the CCDH Unit. You can ask your hospital for specifics.
I would like pictures taken during my birthing experience. How can I get pictures if only one person comes back with me and that person is holding my hand and/or leg for delivery? Many families ask a nurse to take photos for them while mom is going through delivery, or dad can. Many hospitals will not allow videos to be taken due to HIPAA and the sensitive nature of a CDH delivery.
How soon will I get to see and hold my baby after delivery? Usually, the doctor and the team work on your baby for the first several minutes before they take him/her out of the delivery room. At this time, most doctors will give you a "peek" at your baby before taking your baby to the unit. Most often, your baby will, unfortunately, be too sick to be held by you at that time, although some have been placed on their mom's chest briefly after delivery while the cord is cut. Once your baby is taken to the unit, if you are in the same hospital, you will be able to go visit once you are stable, but dad can go immediately.
How long after birth will it be until I see my baby? Typically once your baby is born, they will be taken to the other side of the OR or an adjoining room to be stabilized and intubated (put the breathing tube in). Once this is finished and they are ready to go to the NICU or CDH unit, they will most likely give you a minute to see your baby before they are taken to the floor. If your baby is born in the same hospital in which you delivered, you will be able to see them as soon as you are stable. This depends on your birth experience. It may be anywhere from a couple of hours to 8-10 hours. If your baby was delivered in a hospital and transported by ambulance to a children's hospital, you will need to wait until you are ready to discharge to see your child. When at all possible, it is a great idea to deliver in the same hospital so you can be there for your baby right away.
Will I hear my baby cry? In some cases, families do hear a cry or two. In others, they don't, and in some, you may hear a noise similar to a grunt. It's definitely hard not hearing the cry that is usually indicative of a healthy, breathing baby, but remember they are in great hands and will be quickly receiving the respiratory intervention they need to breathe!
Check out FAQ on the CDH Diagnosis, FAQ on CDH After Birth, and What to Pack for CDH Delivery blogs for more information.
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