Nico’s cardiac journey began before he was born. Going into her pregnancy with Nico, Sierra shared her concern about a family history of heart defects with her midwife. This led to a referral to Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida. At 17 weeks, Dr. Claudia Taboada, a Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist, suspected a complex congenital heart defect during an ultrasound. Later, at 22 weeks, a fetal echo confirmed that Nico had the same defect as his father: Dextro-Transposition of the Great Arteries (D-TGA). A congenital heart defect where the aorta and pulmonary artery are switched, resulting in abnormal blood flow and oxygenation.
“Once we found out that Nico had D-TGA, we were told that he would have to have open heart surgery and it would have to be done in Orlando, which is about 6 hours away from home,” shares Sierra. “Preparing for the relocation and his birth/surgery was stressful, but we were grateful to be able to prepare.”
After birth, Nico would need to be transferred to Nemours Children’s for the arterial switch operation, also known as the Jatene procedure; a surgical intervention used to correct D-TGA. Unfortunately, his lungs were collapsing due to improper intubation at the hospital where Sierra was giving birth. The Nemours Cardiac team was able to get him stable so he could get prepped for his surgery. After having the Jatene procedure, his chest wall was open for about 3 days before closing.
“My family and I had an incredible experience with Nemours’s doctors and nurses,” says Sierra. “From the first appointment, they were caring and thorough, answering all our questions. I saw Dr. Taboada and the MFM team monthly, and everyone was always so kind. After Nico’s birth and transfer to Nemours, the cardiac floor monitored him closely and included us in every step of his recovery. They even let us sit in on their rounds, which was incredibly helpful. We still see Dr. Daphne Kernizan and her team, who are amazing and feel like a second family, watching Nico grow and checking in on us.”
“After surgery, it felt like a miracle how fast Nico recovered with the help of the cardiac department. We were originally told that it would be about a month or so after surgery that he could be discharged, but after 2 weeks, we were cleared to head home.”
Now 8 months old, Nico and his family are still in contact with Nemours Children’s. “It means the world that the same team that monitored him before birth now checks on him every few months,” says Sierra. “It feels like having a second family watching him grow. Even the MFM team, who haven’t seen us since Nico’s birth, have checked in, which I appreciate.”
When asked what advice she would give to other families with similar situations, Sierra states, “First, pray. Second, it’s okay not to be okay—new parenthood is overwhelming. Lean on your family, partner, and medical team, and take it one moment at a time. Third, remember that this won’t affect your baby’s bond with you. Even if you miss those first precious moments, your baby will still recognize your voice, touch, and presence. Lastly, take care of yourself physically and mentally; your baby needs you.”
