It's important to learn as much as you can about CDH so that you can make the best decisions possible for your baby.   The best way to learn is to read and ask questions.   Before you visit your doctors, make a list!    Below are some suggested questions:

Can we visit the PICU / NICU before our baby’s birth?

How many CDH patients do you see each year? 

How many survived last year? 

The year before?

What is your survival rate?

Does that include babies who did not survive transport or live to surgery?

What is your policy on ventilation? 

Do you use standard or gentle ventilation procedures?

Do you offer the EXIT procedure?

How much lung does my baby appear to have?

What organs are involved in the herniation?

Do you see any other defects?

Where should I deliver my baby?

Do you recommend vaginal or C-section delivery?  Why?

What are the stats you require before repairing the hernia?

How many of your patients require ECMO?

Can you match me up with another local CDH family?