Duodenal Atresia

have you seen a high risk OB/MFM doctor? if so they can refer you to speak with the GI surgeon prior to birth so that you have a better idea what to expect once she is born. Most pediatricians will not have any experience with that specific birth defect but the GI specialist will make recommendations to the pediatrician for management. I would not worry about picking a special pediatrician. The most important part is that the GI doctor is in the loop before she is born and that you are comfortable with them. If you have seen a high risk OB they will be familiar with the best GI person in your area. If you have not seen a high risk OB I would request that you seen one ASAP.

You should first locate a very well qualified pediatric surgeon in your area to do the surgery. I am so glad that they found this problem so early. It sounds like your baby will be fine after the surgery, but make sure you have a good surgeon with a great record. After the surgery you will have to go to checkups with this doctor, so he or she will be able to keep an eye out for any complications (After surgery, there may be late complications such as swelling in that area, intestinal motility problems, or gastroesophageal reflux.) I hope you have some great referrals for some pediatricians in your area, but find a great surgeon first. good luck.

Hello E.!

I have several friends whose babies were diagnosed in the womb with some disorders which they actually did not have as turned out at birth (I guess they saw it on ultrasound?). Keep it in mind and ask your pediatrician to test your girl again after birth.

In our last trimester, with our third child, we learned that our daughter only had one kidney. This isn't a similar medical problem to what you are facing, but I have to say, it is scary to find out that there is anything abnormal about your baby prenatally. I was sure that there was something else wrong with the baby-- I was terribly anxious, and just wanted to see the baby. She was born very healthy, and only had a few complications relating to the kidney, but after several procedures and antibiotics for a year, she is completely normal. Completely healthy. We love our pedi who is out of Cambridge (we actually now live in Natick MA) and I love Children's Hospital in Boston. They were wonderful there doing invasive (and non-invasive) tests on a newborn. Hang in there. Let me know if you want info on my pedi-- in eight years he has been wonderful with all three of my kids. (When I call his office, his receptionist actually puts him on the line to talk to me.) Cambridge is probably to far for you, but his name is Michael Yogman-- maybe he can refer you to someone closer to you.
Good Luck

Haven't been through this and don't know what to say except I am so sorry to hear that! But she will be fine and I will pray for her. I agree find a good pedi surgeon in your area that is willing to take her on. Good luck & God bless.