Cora’s Story

Kristine@corasstory.orgwww.corasstory.org@kristinebrite onTwitter5/1/2010

Kristine Brite

From one mom to another mom, I wrote this for allpregnant women. I wish someone had told me this whenI was pregnant. Congenital heart defects are the most common birth defect, affecting about 1 in 100 babies. Ifirst heard about CHD from the coroner. My daughter,Cora, had an undetected CHD.

I don’t want any oth

erMomma to learn about CHD the way I did. And, the goodnews, knowledge is power. Spend a few minuteseducating yourself. Some babies are diagnosed in utero,some aren

’t diagnosed until they’re

adults. No need tolive in fear, but be aware.

Inside you’ll find: a flyer to take

with you to the hospital when you deliver (pack it in yourhospital bag) to help you talk to your

baby’s

nurses anddoctors about using pulse oximetry as screening for CHD(1st page), and also a list of symptoms of CHD, if younotice any of these in your baby, ask your doctor about it (2nd page).

Remember, I’m just a mom like you, so talk

over everything with a doctor.

–

Kristine Brite McCormick

(Cora’s Mom)

Cora’s Story

Phone: 260.517.9680Kristine@corasstory.org

www.corasstory.org

*1in100.org and Children’s National didn’t assist in developing this

brochure, but are also working to save tiny hearts. While based on

discussions with medical professionals, Cora’s Story is a non

-profit organization educating pregnant women and mothers about heart defectsand none of its board members are medical professionals.

“A person is a person no matter how small.”

Dr. Seuss

If not already common practice at my hospital, please screen my newborn with a pulseoximeter sometime after 24 hours of life and before discharge.

While no method catches heart defects all the time, this simple vital taker can catch both heart defects and respiratory problems.Researchers found pulse oximetry performed on a calm baby sometime after 24 hours most effective. Because the test is so simple,quick, non-

invasive and inexpensive, I’d like my newborn screened. If my child’s oxygen level is under 95 percent, I’d like to discuss

further testing.

I know even if my child’s oxygen level is above 95 percent, a defect could still be present. Because

congenital heart

defects are the most common birth defect, affecting 1 in 100 births and can go undetected into adulthood, I’ve researched the

signs and symptoms of CHD.

Several groups are working to make pulse oximetry a standard part of newborn screenin

g, if you’d like

information about implementing a program at your hospital, visithttp://www.childrensnational.org/PulseOx.* For information about legislative efforts visithttp://www.1in100.org.*