Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a condition where babies are born with a hole in their diaphragm (the muscle separating the chest from the abdomen). This results in the abdominal organs to enter or herniate into the chest, which can impact lung growth in the womb, resulting in smaller than normal lungs and breathing problems after birth. Babies with CDH need to be cared for in a NICU and often require a breathing tube and ventilator after birth. Surgery is required to repair the diaphragm. Some babies require extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), a type of heart-lung bypass machine, until their heart and lungs improve. Children with CDH require multiple specialists to care for them after birth and throughout childhood.
At Phoenix Children’s, our Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Clinic provides comprehensive care starting from pregnancy at the Center for Fetal and Neonatal Care, to after birth at our Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and throughout childhood at our multi-disciplinary clinic.
Highlights Include
- Continuity of care: You will experience seamless care, starting from pregnancy, where you will meet the team of specialists caring for your baby, including physicians from pediatric surgery, cardiology, and neonatology. The same team of specialists will care for your baby after birth.
- Level IV NICU: We are the only level IV NICU in the state of Arizona, providing the highest level of care to babies from all over the state and beyond. Our multidisciplinary team will round daily on your baby.
- ECMO Program: ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) is a type of heart-lung bypass machine used to treat children with severe heart or lung problems. We have the most comprehensive, uninterrupted pediatric ECMO program in Arizona.
- CDH Clinic: After your child is discharged from the NICU, they will continue to be cared for by a team of specialists in our CDH clinic.
Programs & Services
We provide comprehensive care for children’s with CDH starting from pregnancy to the delivery room and NICU and throughout childhood.
Some of the cornerstones of the CDH Clinic include:
- Center for Fetal and Neonatal Care: We work with obstetricians and maternal fetal medicine specialists to prepare you for your baby’s birth. You will meet with our team of pediatric subspecialists, including pediatric surgeons, cardiologists and neonatologists. We also coordinate fetal imaging, such as MRIs and echocardiograms, so we can provide the most accurate predictions for after birth.
- Pediatric Surgery Program: Our skilled team of surgeons collaborate with the neonatal team during the NICU stay. Some babies can receive minimally invasive surgery. Once discharged from the hospital, your child will continue to be followed by our surgery team.
- ECMO Program: ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) is a type of heart-lung bypass machine used to treat children with severe heart or lung problems. We have the most comprehensive, uninterrupted pediatric ECMO program in Arizona.
- Center for Heart Care: Echocardiograms (heart ultrasounds) will be performed on your baby. Specialists from the Heart Center will help your primary team provide treatment.
- Developmental Specialists: Physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists are available and will ensure your baby is receiving the appropriate developmental care throughout their hospital stay.
- Nutrition and Pharmacy: A registered dietitian will work with your team to ensure your baby is receiving adequate nutrition and to optimize growth. A clinical pharmacist also assists with ensuring your child is receiving the appropriate medications and the correct doses.
- Lactation: A certified lactation consultant can help moms pump breast milk and start breastfeeding when your child is ready.
- Respiratory Care: Skilled respiratory therapists assist the medical team with taking care of and managing the ventilator, as well as any breathing therapies your child may receive.
- CDH Clinic:After your child is discharged from the NICU, they will continue to be cared for by a team of specialists from the CDH Clinic.
- NEST Clinic: Our NEST clinic will follow your child to ensure their development is on track and they are receiving appropriate therapies.
Locations
