Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH): Anderson's Story

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a birth defect that occurs when the diaphragm fails to fully form in utero. The role of the diaphragm is to function as a divider between the lungs and the abdominal organs. But with CDH, an opening in the diaphragm allows the abdominal organs to float up into the chest cavity. That prevents the lungs from developing normally as the pregnancy progresses.
According to Cherubs, a non-profit group that supports families affected by CDH, the defect occurs in 1 in every 2500 babies born worldwide. They estimate that 1600 babies in the United States are born with CDH every year. The defect is as common as cystic fibrosis and spina bifida; yet what causes CDH remains unknown.
Nicki and Kevin Young, of Mesa, AZ, talk about their experience when their son Anderson was born with the defect. Neonatologist Glenn Waterkotte, MD, of Banner Children's, talks about how parents can prepare if they are expecting a baby with CDH.