Jenna and Quinn: A Heart Story
Like many moms in the heart defect (CHD) community, Jenna learned about her baby's heart condition at her routine 20-week ultrasound. The diagnosis left her shaken, and she knew she needed support.
Jenna stayed connected with the medical team and the cardiac neurodevelopmental program throughout the remainder of her pregnancy. Clinicians helped her to process her thoughts and feelings, to manage her stress, and to prepare for her baby's birth.
Keep reading to learn more about Jenna's story.
In this section
A Surprising Diagnosis
Like most expectant moms, Jenna went to her 20 - week anatomy scan full of anticipation. She already had one healthy toddler, and was excited to see her new baby. Unfortunately, the appointment did not go as Jenna had expected. Instead of reassuring Jenna that everything looked good, the doctors noticed complex problems with the baby's heart. They said that her baby would require multiple open-heart surgeries in order to survive. Jenna felt overwhelmed, and was unsure how to prepare for a baby with medical complications.
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Preparing for Baby Quinn
Jenna knew that she needed to make a plan, and keep moving forward. She had a toddler at home, and was determined to be the best mother she could to both her babies. Jenna also knew that in order to be her best self, she needed help processing the diagnosis, and preparing for a challenging time ahead.
Jenna worked closely with the staff at both the Fetal Maternal Care Center and the Cardiac Neurodevelopment Program. They helped her to know what to expect, and supported her in having the best possible pregnancy.
Making Memories, Reducing Stress
During the second half of her pregnancy, Jenna focused on enjoying time with her toddler, Declan. Jenna wanted Declan to have beautiful memories from this time to help buoy him through the challenges ahead.
Jenna joined CNP's Prenatal Stress Reduction Program, and worked with a psychologist to work through her feelings and fears. She explored ways to support Declan through the upcoming birth and surgeries, and learned strategies to cope with her own anxiety. She knew that babies do better when their mothers do better, and that taking care of her own mental health also supported her baby.
Working with her clinicians, Jenna developed a solid plan for the birth and later treatment. While she remained anxious, she started to feel more confident and less overwhelmed.
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The Birth
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Despite her baby's heart condition, Jenna enjoyed an uncomplicated pregnancy. She went to the hospital feeling good, and brought along both her husband and mother for emotional support. After preparing with her clinicians for months, Jenna knew that an extra support person can make transferring to the CICU much smoother.
Even though Jenna had undergone multiple ultrasounds, her clinicians had managed to keep the baby's gender a surprise. Jenna was overjoyed when, in the delivery room, her husband announced: "It's a boy!" Baby Quinn had arrived.
Quinn's Progress
As his parents had expected, Quinn required a long hospital stay and three open-heart surgeries. His parents followed the plan they had developed, spending time both with Quinn and Declan, and supporting each other through the challenges.
Quinn is now a rambunctious toddler, and his parents call him "the strongest and most resilient little guy." He loves playing with cars, going to the beach, and fooling around with his older and younger brothers.
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The Power of Preparation
When families receive a prenatal diagnosis, they have time to prepare for their baby's birth and treatment, and to take care of their own mental health. While having a baby with a heart defect is never easy, preparation can make it much easier.
When they receive appropriate support, expectant families can feel less overwhelmed. Then, they can be fully present for all their children, and appreciate the moments of beauty and joy that come with every birth.
Do you have a heart story that you want to share? We would love to hear it, and maybe we can even feature it here! Email CNPschedulingandquestions@childrens.harvard.edu
Developmental care is best when it is local. Families local to Boston can receive care from the Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Program (CNP). Families from other regions can use the link below to find their local care team.
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