Previously, doctors routinely delivered gastroschisis babies by cesarean section, believing this to be the best option to protect the exposed bowel.21 However, we now know that unless otherwise indicated by medical necessity, a vaginal delivery is safe for...
Very rarely, the abdominal wall will close partially or completely around the intestines while the baby is still in the womb. This is very dangerous as it can cause a significant amount of bowel to be lost, and can be life-altering or even fatal.28This is called...
The two most common methods of surgical repair are primary closure or staged silo closure. In a primary closure, the intestines will be reduced back into the abdomen shortly after birth and surgically sutured. When this is not possible, the intestines may be placed in...
The average NICU stay for an infant born with gastroschisis is 6 weeks37 but may be up to one year38 or longer. The CDC released a report in 2007 which acknowledged that of newborns with birth defects, the longest hospital stay tends to be for those who had surgically...
Having a baby in the NICU is probably not what was expected when you first found out you were pregnant. Many parents are worried that they will be unable to bond with their child because of the NICU experience. It is important to remember that bonding is a process....
Avery’s Angels provides volunteer “veteran” supporters to families in need. These volunteers understand the stress of having a child in the NICU and donate their time to supporting others who are where they have been. To be connected, please complete our Support...
