The Eich Family

Scroll down to see updates as the Eich family progresses in their CDH Journey! (All updates are written and given by parents with consent)

Initial Backstory

We got our CDH diagnosis during our routine 20 week ultrasound. Our baby has a severe RCDH with liver and small and large bowel in her chest. In addition, she was also diagnosed with a 2 vessel umbilical cord and intrauterine growth restriction. Due to the severity of her condition, we have decided to relocate to St. Petersburg to deliver our baby at JHACH, as our local hospital in PA gave us a very poor prognosis. We plan on relocating our family which includes 2 very young toddlers (aged 1 and 3) throughout our baby's hospitalization, which is expected to be about 3 months. We are very fortunate to have the support of The Eden Calhoun Charitable Fund during this difficult journey.

Update 6/5/25

I moved to Florida on Memorial Day in preparation  for baby’s arrival. While here I have regular doctors appointments and imaging tests with the MFM specialists at JHACH to check on the status of baby. Unfortunately, a few days ago, I started feeling decreased fetal movements so I went in to get checked and the baby wasn’t moving as much as she should be, and her heart rate was a little lower than ideal, so I was admitted to the hospital for closer monitoring. She seems to be out doing OK now, so hope I can get discharged for a few days before I come back for an induction to deliver, which is currently scheduled for 6/10. My husband joined me here today so now I have some company in the hospital. Our kids will arrive with other family members on Saturday. Really looking forward to seeing them because I’ve missed them a lot! 

Update 6/29/25

Evie was safely delivered by the MFM team at JHACH at 37 weeks on 6/10 weighing 3lbs 15oz. Despite her tiny size, she is defying the odds! She was placed on the ventilator immediately after birth but only required low settings. She had her repair surgery at 3 days old. She had a size C right sided defect with most abdominal organs up except for her kidneys and urinary bladder. She did not end up needing ECMO and was weaned off of the ventilator and extubated at 8 days old. Since then we have been enjoying all of the newborn snuggles we can get and starting her on oral feeds! She’s still on CPAP but hopefully next week we can transition to nasal oxygen cannulas.