Simpson, Harry

Harry is a CDH Cherub who was diagnosed at 39 weeks gestation. It was a shock to say the least as I had 12 scans and had polyhydraminos which is apparently a sign that something could be wrong with the baby. Anyway Harry was eventually born after a long induced labour by C-Section. Weight 8lb 1 and a half ounces. He was whisked away to NICU and I eventually met him 6 hours later. He was on an oscillator and then a ventilator before being operated on at 4 days old. The operation was a great success and because he was a good size the surgeon managed to use muscle from his back to repair his large hole. We were in hospital for another week or so before we got to bring him home. His right lung was damaged and he had reflux but these were minor things in comparison. His right lung has since started to work and grow so he is nearly at full capacity now. He is pretty much a "normal" baby now; he eats very well, breathes OK and apart from the scar across his belly you would never know what happened to him.


Written by Harry’smom, Karen Simpson (Great Britain)
2006