by Laura Weisskopf Bleill
While on Twitter a couple of months ago, I happened to come across an Indiana woman named Kristine Brite who had recently lost her newborn daughter very suddenly and unexpectedly. The culprit was Congenital Heart Disease.
Ever since Cora’s death, Kristine has worked tirelessly to grow awareness of CHD — and to save lives. She’s not the first mom touched by this issue, but she is working so that no other mother will have to endure her pain.
CHD is the most common birth defect in the United States, as it affects an estimated 1 in 100 babies born. According to the Children’s Heart Foundation, CHD is the No. 1 baby killer. CHD is also the most prevalent birth defect, according to the March of Dimes.
So what can you and I do about CHD? Since this is Congenital Heart Disease Awareness Week, here are some suggestions:
1. If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor or your child’s future pediatrician about Pulse Oximetry Screening. It is a quick, painless and inexpensive way test that may help detect heart defects in newborns. It is usually performed before the baby leaves the hosptial. Kristine is in the preliminary stages of working on a law in her state where every baby would have access to this screening test.
2. If you know anyone who is pregnant, let them know about Pulse Oximetry Screening. Spread the world.
3. Contribute to research about CHD.
This Valentine’s Day week, so there’s no better time to think about the heart that belongs to your baby-to-be.
Do you know someone who has been affected by CHD? Tell us their story.
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Kristine’s story breaks my heart. My son was also born with a congenital heart defect.
Thanks for reminding! It is a great cause I will contribute.