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Shifting sands: Coping with change
Like it or not, change happens. A change can be a new baby in the family, moving to a new school or grade, or a new routine or activity. But change often includes loss. When something new comes into our lives, it can mean that something is left behind. A marital separation, new house, new school or other changes for children usually mean that the sameness of routines, familiarity of... View Article
Caring for baby’s heart before birth and beyond
Congenital heart disease is the most common type of birth defect occurring in about one in 100 live births. A congenital heart defect is a problem with the heart’s structure and may involve the walls of the heart, the valves of the heart and/or the arteries and veins leading to and from the heart. Defects range from conditions that show little to no visible symptoms in a child’s life to complex... View Article
When Tyler Robinett discovered she was pregnant with her son Owen, now 2, her midwife told her about the CenteringPregnancy® program at VCU Health. The idea was very intriguing to the first-time mom, who liked the thought of experiencing the journey of pregnancy with other women by her side. CenteringPregnancy® brings together 8 to 12 women with similar due dates to learn skills, participate in facilitated discussions and develop a... View Article
Big Valentine wishes from little Laurel
Long QT syndrome caused an erratic heart rhythm and left little Laurel feeling lethargic. When her mom met the Children’s Hospital Foundation Heart Center team, her fear turned to confidence that Laurel was in the right hands. Laurel received a pacemaker and returns to CHoR regularly for coordinated follow-up care with her heart team and other specialists. She has plenty of energy to play with big brother, keep Mom on... View Article
Most people don’t give breathing much thought, but cystic fibrosis can make this essential and typically ordinary act a challenge. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that causes a thick, sticky buildup of mucus. It can trap bacteria, clogging the airways and leading to recurring infections that damage the lungs and make breathing increasingly difficult over time. The heavy mucus impacts other organs, including the pancreas, where it impedes digestive... View Article