What is a congenital diaphragmatic hernia like Teddy's?

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is a birth defect where there's a hole in the diaphragm, allowing organs to move into the chest cavity and impede lung growth.

Can foetal surgery help babies with diaphragm defects?

Yes, foetal surgery can sometimes be performed to create space in the chest for lung development before birth.

What support is available for parents after losing a baby?

Hospitals often provide specialized bereavement suites and support from midwives to help parents cope.

Home / Health / Miracle Baby's Fight for Life After Diaphragm Defect

Miracle Baby's Fight for Life After Diaphragm Defect

23 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Baby born with diaphragm defect causing organs to press on lungs.
Foetal surgery in London offered hope for lung development.
The baby lived for 24 minutes after premature birth at 29 weeks.

Miracle Baby's Fight for Life After Diaphragm Defect

A tragic story unfolds for parents Maddie and Michael, whose son Teddy was born with a critical diaphragm defect. This condition caused vital organs to shift into his chest, hindering proper lung development. A groundbreaking foetal surgical procedure was conducted at King's College Hospital in London while Maddie was still pregnant.

This innovative intervention involved inserting a balloon into Teddy's chest to reposition his organs, aiming to give his lungs crucial space to grow. While initial scans showed promising progress, Maddie went into premature labour at 29 weeks, just hours after a baby shower for their son.

Despite the dedicated efforts of medical staff at Broomfield Hospital, Teddy passed away 24 minutes after birth. The couple found solace in the hospital's bereavement suite, spending five days cherishing their brief time with their son, reading to him and capturing memories.