Jameson's Story - Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH)

Jameson was born on a snowy January morning at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. 

My husband Nick and I found out Jameson had a right sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia at our first 19 week anatomy ultrasound. Jameson's liver as well as his other abdominal organs were located in his chest area. We knew prior to his delivery that he would likely need a gortex patch to close the herniated space.

Jameson was taken in for his reconstructive surgery when he was just two weeks old. Once he returned to his NICU pod, we were informed that his team of surgeons were unable to fit all of his abdominal organs into his abdominal area all at once. His organs were slowly reintroduced into his body with the help of a “silo bag” which is typically used on babies born with gastroschisis.  After 7 days and all his abdominal organs in place, he was taken back into the operating room to have his stomach closed.

It took a while for Jameson to gain weight, and he suffered from reflux. After 67 days in the NICU, we were released to go home. This is and will always be the best day of my husband and I's lives.

Jameson only needed a feeding tube for a week at home and has since continued to blow many doctors away with his amazing progress! He will soon be celebrating his 2nd birthday. Jameson has been and continues to be the light of our lives. 

Emily Whitty (Jameson's Mom)