[ljberk]

Hey Ashley- wow. I do remember how that feels. My two with CF are now 30 and 32 y/o and both doing really well. There have been challenges, to be sure, but remember that when mine were diagnosed absolutely NONE of the new therapies were available. While nobody wants their baby to have CF, he or she will definitely have a completely different life than folks from my kids’ generation. Now there is hope and tons of research.

There is only one piece of advice that I’d give you (because I’m sure you will mainly lean on the CF team): think about breastfeeding. Its probably in your plan anyway, so this is just remember of the immune and microbiome advantages he/she will have. Human milk is even anti-viral and anti-inflammatory, responding to your environment every minute of every day. When it gets hard or when your providers say “you tried” or someone hands you free formula, reach out. I am a lactation consultant, and there are lots of us out there. It can be hard, especially when your baby is fighting infection, his/her weight gain is not great, when you are exhausted or your breasts hurt, LEAN ON US. I am 100% available. Libby