This Sunday is Mother's Day, and Father's Day comes next month. For many, these are happy times filled with celebration. But for others, there may be sadness, grief, and loss.

To mothers and fathers who have lost angel babies, whose children have died too young, who have experienced fertility challenges, or other parental hardships, we see you and understand your struggle. You are not alone. Please reach out for support. Our website offers a list of Resources for Support on our home page. Or contact us directly to let us connect you with the help you are looking for. Our heartfelt prayers are with you.

Sending you love, peace, and joy,

--Lonnie & Michelle Somers - Co-founders, Fetal Health Foundation

Rare TTTS Surgeries Help Two Babies Thrive



At her 20-week ultrasound, Tara’s twins looked perfect. But at the next checkup, everything changed. Her doctor diagnosed the babies with twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), a life-threatening condition created by abnormal blood vessel connections that create imbalanced blood flow and circulation.

She turned to the Colorado Fetal Care Center’s expertise for her severe situation and

immediately felt safe and reassured by the level of care and experience of the doctors on her case. After two successful fetal laser ablation surgeries, Tara gave birth to Indie and Scottie, who are healthy, thriving children today.

Gastroschisis and the search for better, earlier interventions

Geoanna M. Bautista, MD, assistant professor of pediatrics in the Division of Neonatology at UC Davis Children’s Hospital, shares best practices in caring for newborns with gastroschisis.

Bautista’s research focuses on prematurity and congenital anomalies that impact normal gut development, including gastroschisis.

What is gastroschisis?

Gastroschisis is a complex birth condition that affects babies’ bowels. Cases have doubled in the U.S. over the last two decades. Gastroschisis is an abdominal wall defect that results in impaired gut maturation and dysmotility. In this condition, the baby develops an opening in the abdomen through which their intestines spill out into the surrounding amniotic fluid.

Expert Treatment at Cincinnati Children's Fetal Care Center Helps Chloe Overcome Rare Omphalocele Condition

Zach and Nicole were ecstatic when they found out about their pregnancy. They held a gender reveal party during the second trimester and surrounded by family and friends, celebrated the happy news of a baby girl.

A week later, however, with Nicole 17 weeks pregnant, their baby was diagnosed with omphalocele, a rare condition in which some or all of the organs in the abdomen develop outside the body. “Omphalocele. A word that would change our future and cause a lot of stress and uncertainty,” said Nicole.

The expectant parents decided they would go to any length to help their baby arrive as safely as possible and scheduled an appointment at the Fetal Care Center. Chloe is now almost 2 years old, and her parents are eternally grateful to Cincinnati Children’s for bringing their little girl safely into the world.

Stanford Medicine is predicting

premature birth in low-resource settings

A Stanford-led study has shown that a blood test that predicts prematurity worked well in pregnant women in several developing countries. The test can also indicate how long a woman has been pregnant.

The test, which builds on a similar test invented at Stanford in 2018, has the potential to improve prenatal care in low- and middle-income countries, where the majority of the world's premature babies are born. Validating the testing technique in diverse populations is an important next step in making it effective for all populations.

May & June Calendar

May - Mental Health Awareness Month

National Allergy & Asthma Awareness Month

May 6 to May 10 - Teacher Appreciation Week

May 6 to 12 - Children’s Book Week, National Nurses Week

May 12 - Mother's Day

May 27 - Memorial Day

June - Pride month

World Infertility Awareness Month

June 14 - Flag Day

June 16 - Father's Day

June 19 - Juneteenth

June 20 - Summer Solstice