CHD in Alaska

While we were in Seattle there was an article in the Anchorage Daily News about babies and birth defects in Alaska. Surprisingly (not really!) Alaska leads the nation in birth defects, but what did surprise me was that we also lead the nation in congential heart defects. We are number one in ASD's, number 2 is VSD's, number 3 is PDA, and number 5 is pulmonary heart valve defect. What makes me a little frustrated about this, is that we have great cardiologists here, I absolutely LOVE Dr. Wellman, but we don't have surgeons. Now, don't get me wrong. I met some of the most fabulous people and I am still meeting them. I just wish there was more support and help for us heart mommies here. This is more of a vent then anything, but it does feel good to get it off my chest.