Diagnosed Before Birth, Kiara Faced Surgery at Just Four Days Old

Today, 18-month-old Kiara loves playing with bubbles, spending time with her older brother and sister, and showing everyone her determined little personality. But her family’s journey began with frightening news during pregnancy and a long hospital stay after she was born.

Before Kiara arrived, doctors discovered that she had congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), a serious condition that can affect the development of a baby’s lungs. Her parents, Andrea and Kevin, prepared for an uncertain beginning, determined to do everything they could for their daughter.

A Diagnosis During Pregnancy

At around 20 weeks into her pregnancy, Andrea learned that Kiara would be born with CDH. The condition occurs when the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen, does not develop completely. This can allow organs from the abdomen to move into the chest and interfere with lung development.

The news was overwhelming. Andrea and Kevin began researching the condition and learning what treatment might involve. Their obstetrician referred them to Boston Children’s Hospital, where the team at the Fetal Care and Surgery Center helped them prepare for Kiara’s birth and the specialized care she would need.

They also met with pediatric surgeon Dr. Jill Zalieckas to discuss the operation and what to expect during recovery. Understanding the plan helped the family face the uncertainty ahead.

Four Days After Birth, It Was Time for Surgery

Kiara was born on Valentine’s Day, weighing just over six pounds. Soon after delivery, she was transferred to Boston Children’s Hospital for specialized monitoring and treatment.

Although her father was able to see her soon after birth, Andrea had to wait several hours until she was cleared to leave her own hospital bed. Kiara was receiving breathing support while the medical team prepared for the next step.

Four days after she was born, Kiara underwent surgery to repair the diaphragmatic hernia. Her parents faced an emotional wait, but the surgical team told them that the procedure had gone well.

Nearly Three Months in the Hospital

Surgery was an important milestone, but Kiara still needed time to recover. Her family waited 12 days before Andrea and Kevin were finally able to hold her.

Kiara remained in the hospital for almost three months. During that time, her parents worked out a daily routine that allowed them to stay close to their daughter while also caring for their two older children at home.

After surgery, Kiara experienced feeding difficulties related to aspiration, a problem in which food or liquid can enter the airway instead of passing safely into the digestive system. Feeding therapy helped her make progress, and in May, she was finally able to go home.

For Andrea, bringing Kiara home felt like an especially meaningful Mother’s Day gift.

Learning and Growing, One Milestone at a Time

Life after discharge has not been entirely smooth. Kiara has experienced respiratory illnesses, including RSV and bronchitis, that required additional hospital care.

Even so, she has continued to grow and develop with support from her medical team. At 18 months old, she receives occupational therapy and speech therapy and is preparing to begin physical therapy.

Her mother describes her as determined, expressive, and full of personality. Kiara adores her older siblings, and like many toddlers, she is not always happy when someone tells her “no.” Her family treasures these everyday moments as she continues to explore the world around her.

A Family That Kept Showing Up

Kiara’s story reflects a journey that began long before birth and continued through surgery, intensive care, feeding support, and ongoing therapy. Her parents had to balance hope with uncertainty while learning how to care for a child with complex medical needs.

With the support of Boston Children’s Hospital and her family, Kiara has moved from a difficult start toward the ordinary adventures of toddlerhood. Her care journey is ongoing, but every new skill and happy moment is another milestone worth celebrating.

Source: Boston Children’s Hospital, “Fighting for — and with — Kiara through congenital diaphragmatic hernia care,” October 23, 2026.