Richard D. Wood Jr. Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment Resources

Learning your baby has a birth defect is a life-changing experience, and we want you to know that you are not alone. To help you find answers to your questions -- either before or after visiting the Richard D. Wood Jr. Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment -- we've created this list of educational health resources.

Accommodations

Hosts for Hospitals is a unique nonprofit program that provides accommodations in the homes of local families at minimal or no cost to families whose homes are far away.

The Ronald McDonald House serves as a "home-away-from-home" for families whose children are being treated at nearby hospitals. The Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House has rooms available for patient families as well as mothers undergoing fetal surgery or delivering in CHOP’s Special Delivery Unit.

The Ronald McDonald House serves as a "home-away-from-home" for families whose children are being treated at nearby hospitals. The Ronald McDonald House of Southern New Jersey has rooms available for patient families as well as mothers undergoing fetal surgery or delivering in CHOP’s Special Delivery Unit.


For Parents and Caregivers


Fast Facts about Birth Defects

Closeup illustration of CDH showing abdominal organs moving into chest

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is just as common as cystic fibrosis, but many people have never heard of it. Get the facts about CDH and share to help raise awareness of the condition.

Spina Bifida Fact Card

Did you know that spina bifida is the most common permanently disabling birth defect in the U.S.? Learn more spina bifida facts and help spread the word.

what is fetal surgery infographic title

Get the facts about fetal surgery then share this infographic with your friends and family to help raise awareness of the ways babies can be treated for serious and life-threatening conditions even before they’re born.


Patient Family Education

This resource from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia helps those who have given birth track pain medicine, pumping and meals.


Books

Kathleen Huggins equips breastfeeding mothers with all the information they need to overcome potential difficulties and nurse their babies successfully.

This book provides information on how to get started with breastfeeding, including tips for latching on, increasing your milk supply, breastfeeding in absentia, breast pumps and more.


Condition Management


Coping

If you or your loved one continue to have difficulty with a perinatal or postpartum mood and anxiety disorder, it may be helpful to contact a mental health professional for additional support.

Screen grab from Guided Relaxation for Kids video

These guided videos and audio recordings can help create a more peaceful and restful state of mind for parents, caregivers, and adolescent/young adult patients.


Hospital Amenities

The Connelly Resource Center for families is located on the 8th floor of the Main Hospital. Inside, families will find a family and children's library, a learning center and a hospitality area for free services such as laundry, business needs, naps, learning or relaxing.

The Jill & Mark Fishman Center for Families, located on the first floor of the Main Hospital, provides families with a welcoming space as well as assistance with housing, transportation and local resources.


Perinatal and Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides a free booklet on depression during and after pregnancy for women, their families and friends.

NWHIC, a service of the Office of Women’s Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), focuses on emerging women's health priorities to meet the needs of women and girls. Their website provides health and wellness information, reproductive health resources, and information about diseases and conditions including postpartum depression.

In this episode of the Primary Care Perspectives podcast series, David Levine, MD, pediatrician and board member, Postpartum Support International, discusses perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) in dads, partners, and adoptive parents.


Pregnancy

The American Pregnancy Association is a national health organization that promotes reproductive and pregnancy wellness through education, support, advocacy and community awareness.

This book is for children ages 2-10 whose mother is on pregnancy bed rest. It will help children better understand, be less fearful and realize there is an end to the bed rest experience.

Women undergoing bed rest during pregnancy will benefit from the insight McCann gained as she successfully endured both an at-home as well as extended hospital bed rest.

About.com offers free online childbirth classes that include a comprehensive discussion of labor and birth from a certified childbirth educator and RN.

Medline Plus' Pregnancy website offers late-breaking news, health advice, pregnancy anatomy and physiology, prenatal nutrition, and much more.

Sidelines is a national nonprofit organization that provides support to women who are on bed rest during pregnancy.

This book includes information on how to prepare for labor; epidurals and other medications for labor; cesarean birth, breastfeeding and newborn care and much more.

Amy E. Tracy shares her experiences ─ and those of many others ─ to help you and your family not only survive but thrive during your pregnancy.

Baby and childcare experts, Dr. Bill and Martha Sears, tell you what to expect, month by month, from conception through birth in this comprehensive guide.

When Pregnancy Isn't Perfect is a companion, adviser and lifeline for the thousands of women who face the prospect of a problem pregnancy.


Support and Education Groups

Mama Care combines prenatal care, education and social support into one group program for mothers giving birth in the Garbose Family Special Delivery Unit at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.


Videos

Screen grab from Virtual Fetal Family Reunion video

Every year, patients, families and staff from the Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment gather for a reunion. This year it was virtual! Watch the video for highlights.

Avery extending her arms reaching for floating bubbles outside

Before Avery was born, doctors discovered she had spina bifida, and she underwent fetal surgery. Fast forward four years, and see Avery run, jump and play.

Birth of a Breakthrough: Spina Bifida Video

This spina bifida video series talks about how to deal with a spina bifida diagnosis for your unborn child, from prenatal diagnosis, to treatment options, delivery and follow-up care at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Breathing Easier: Fetal Lung Anomalies Video

In this video series, doctors and nurses from The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia describe the diagnosis and treatment of different fetal lung anomalies.

Connor selfie with parents and wooded valley behind him

Connor has been in the spotlight since before he was born. Doctors closed a hole in his spine while he was still in his mother's womb. Follow his journey.

Screen grab from Fetal Surgery for Spina Bifida video

This video about fetal surgery for spina bifida explains spina bifida treatment options, the benefits of spina bifida surgery before birth and more.

Inside Out: Understanding Abdominal Wall Defects (AWD) Video

In this video series, doctors, nurses and parents talk about abdominal wall defects, including omphaloceles and gastroschisis, and how these conditions are diagnosed and treated at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Teratomas Video Series

In this video, clinicians from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia explain the diagnosis and treatment of various types of teratomas, or fetal tumors.

Screengrab from Spina Bifida Care video

Watch a short video highlighting key aspects of spina bifida care provided at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Delaney twins sitting in the grass

An update on Abby and Erin Delaney, who were born conjoined and separated at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Now now 2½ years old, they are making amazing strides in their growth and development.


Websites

Breath of Hope raises awareness of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) by educating and supporting parents, family members, medical professionals, and anyone who wants to learn more about CDH.

CDH International is a global collective of hospitals, researchers, and charities working together to stop congenital diaphragmatic hernia with a focus on advancing CDH research and accrediting hospitals and charities.

Find comprehensive breastfeeding information, online forums and support groups, FAQs, conferences, an international online store, and more.

March of Dimes is an international organization that works to prevent birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality and to support expectant and new parents.

Peyton’s Promise helps raise awareness and money for ongoing congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) research. It was founded by Debbie and Dustin Laricks, whose daughter Peyton was born with CDH.

The Spina Bifida Association is a comprehensive source of information and resources about spina bifida, the most common permanently disabling birth defect in the United States.

The TTTS Foundation's website offers information for families during and after pregnancy, research updates, a message board, and more.