As a parent, shifting mindsets from physical to behavioral health can be hard. Just as we thought we were near the end of our CDH journey, we began another one.

Our Tiny Heroes transcend the odds stacked against them at every turn, and as they grow and develop, there may be times when you want a little (or a lot of) extra help in aiding them to meet their milestones and continue to surpass expectations. Remember, to give yourself some grace if there are delays in some milestones. Here is a guide of therapies that can help you and your baby!

It is common for a feeding tube to be recommended until your Tiny Hero can figure things out on their own. In hopes of making this decision seem less scary or foreign, we have compiled many of the most commonly asked G-tube questions for you!

Upon diagnosis, one of the first things mothers often ask is, “Will I be able to breastfeed?” This is such a tricky question to answer because there are so many factors to consider; however, it is important to know that just because your baby has CDH, it doesn’t automatically mean that nursing will not be an option.

Keep it fun, sneak in calories as you can, give lots of rewards, and trust that it will be okay.

Oral aversions and weaning from a g-tube while maintaining adequate nutrition can be one of the most challenging and frustrating parts of the entire CDH rollercoaster.

When you have a CDH child, mealtime can often be the most dreaded and frustrating time of the day. We’ve been there! Here are some fun and creative tips and tricks to bring laughter back to the kitchen table!  

We were at a dead standstill with a baby who was miserable while attempting oral feeds and missing out on developmental opportunities because he was confined to a hospital room. It was time to have a care conference and discuss moving forward with a G-Tube.

If I can give you any advice, keep an open mind and remember that it’s okay if your CDH journey doesn’t go 100% according to plan. If a G-tube is needed, view it as a valuable resource and know that it helps your baby meet with success. Also, never stop advocating for your CDH baby. Ask medical professionals and lactation consultants any questions you may have along the way.

A tracheostomy provides an air passage to assist breathing when the usual route is either blocked or reduced. CDH babies may need a tracheostomy to facilitate breathing, dependent on their diagnosis.