The Chicago Institute for Fetal Health

08/14/2026

True to her name, baby Hope has overcome every obstacle put in front of her. Before she was even born, Hope faced a rare, life-threatening medical diagnosis called Pentalogy of Cantrell. At just 18 days old, Hope received open-heart surgery at Lurie Children’s with neonatal heart surgeon Dr. David Winlaw. Following that procedure, The Chicago Institute for Fetal Health team anticipated needing three separate surgeries to repair Hope’s defects but, remarkably, completed everything in a single operation. Now, Hope is a thriving, vibrant one-year-old. For her parents, Matthew and Megan, each routine milestone feels like a little bit of a miracle.

Follow along all month long as we highlight patient families in preparation for our 2026 CIFH Family Reunion! Join more members of our family at Brookfield Zoo on Saturday, August 29, to hear and exchange stories like this one. We are looking forward to an afternoon of connection, celebration, food, music, games and animal adventures as we celebrate the incredible children and families that make up the CIFH community. Reconnect with your care team, meet other families with shared experiences and spend time together in a welcoming environment.

Today is the last day to RSVP! Register with the link: https://bit.ly/4z5YtwY

08/12/2026

In 2017, Kylie was the first patient to undergo fetal surgery to repair spina bifida at The Chicago Institute for Fetal Health. Since then, her daughter Mila has exceeded expectations at every milestone. Now 8 years old, Mila loves art, swimming and going to school with her classmates. Her mom, Kylie, says that The Chicago Institute and Lurie Children’s community have become family to them.

Follow along all month long as we highlight patient families in preparation for our 2026 CIFH Family Reunion! Join us at Brookfield Zoo on Saturday, August 29, to hear and exchange stories like this one. We are looking forward to an afternoon of connection, celebration, food, music, games and animal adventures as we celebrate the incredible children and families that make up the CIFH community. Reconnect with your care team, meet other families with shared experiences and spend time together in a welcoming environment.

Friday is the last day to RSVP! Register with the link: https://bit.ly/4z5YtwY

08/10/2026

Throughout August, we’re highlighting patient stories in honor of our upcoming 2026 CIFH Family Reunion. In December 2022, Diana underwent in-utero spina bifida repair surgery for her son, Ángel. Now, Ángel is a strong, joyful three-year-old. He attends preschool and is making steady progress in physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy. He loves music and being out in nature in his wheelchair, which he affectionately calls his “bike.” Diana said that the trust she felt in her medical team and the love for her family helped carry her through.

Join members of our family at Brookfield Zoo on Saturday, August 29, to hear and exchange stories like this one. We are looking forward to an afternoon of connection, celebration, food, music, games and animal adventures as we celebrate the incredible children and families that make up the CIFH community. Reconnect with your care team, meet other families with shared experiences and spend time together in a welcoming environment.

Friday is the last day to RSVP! Register with the link: https://bit.ly/4z5YtwY

08/08/2026

In honor of the upcoming 2026 CIFH Family Reunion, we’re highlighting stories of the families we've been honored to care for. Following multiple prenatal appointments here at The Chicago Institute, Nathalie and Hedgar welcomed baby Alitzel in the fall of 2025. After receiving spina bifida repair surgery at just two days old, Alitzel is now a happy, energetic ten-month-old. When we caught up with her at Lurie Children’s Spina Bifida Clinic earlier this summer, Alitzel was full of smiles. It is a privilege to see her grow and thrive.

Join more members of our family at Brookfield Zoo on Saturday, August 29, to hear and exchange stories like this one. We are looking forward to an afternoon of connection, celebration, food, music, games and animal adventures as we celebrate the incredible children and families that make up the CIFH community. Reconnect with your care team, meet other families with shared experiences and spend time together in a welcoming environment.

Register by August 14 with the link: https://bit.ly/4z5YtwY

07/06/2026

No one should have to navigate pregnancy, the postpartum period, or the unexpected challenges that can arise along the way without support.

If you or someone you know is looking for support, our virtual parent support group meets twice each month on Wednesday evenings at no cost. Additional resources are also available through Postpartum Support International.

Wherever you are in your journey, you are not alone.

Receiving a high-risk or potentially life-limiting fetal diagnosis during pregnancy can feel isolating in ways that are hard to put into words. The uncertainty, the medical decisions, the grief... it's an experience few people around you may understand.

PSI's Fetal Diagnosis Support During Pregnancy group exists for exactly this moment. Led by trained peer facilitators, this group offers a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where expectant parents can find connection and support from others who truly get it.

✔️ Free
✔️ Confidential
✔️ Online
✔️ Open to all expectant parents (gestational and non-gestational)

You don't have to carry this alone. Register: https://loom.ly/dn8Ez5g

06/18/2026

04/17/2026

During Black Maternal Health Week, The Chicago Institute for Fetal Health is proud to stand alongside other health leaders like Northwestern Medicine in advancing equitable care for Black birthing individuals.
At this week’s “Improving Black Maternal Health” Open House at Prentice Women’s Hospital, providers and staff with The Chicago Institute were honored to contribute to critical conversations around high-risk pregnancy, access to care and patient-centered support.
Black maternal health remains an urgent priority — Black women in the U.S. continue to face disproportionately higher risks during pregnancy, many of which are preventable.
We are committed to advancing research, education and compassionate care that improves outcomes for all.