|
It was my 12 week scan when they discovered an abnormality.
I didn't know what Exomphalos was, nor had I ever heard
of it. I researched online for weeks before I came across
the GEEPS website. It helped me with all the information
I needed at the time. The doctors were good, informative
and helpful, yet a couple of them thought I should have
a termination, but I'm against that.
My baby had Exomphalos Major, the intestines and the
liver were developing outside the body. It was a very
difficult pregnancy as later I found out that there
may be other related problems, such as conditions like
Edwards syndrome etc. I was against having an Amniocentesis
as no matter what, I was going to have and love my child
whatever their condition.
After weeks of worry the doctors decided it was within
the baby's favour to go ahead with the Amnio so that
they knew what they had to deal with once the baby was
born. The Amnio was uncomfortable and painful as well
as real emotional. After waiting weeks for the results,
it came back as normal. Thank God, I was overjoyed.
I was scheduled to have a caesarean on my 38th week.
All went to plan. St Mary's Hospital in Paddington 10:07am
22nd July 2009 my little girl was born weighing 6lbs
8oz.
My Mother and I caught a quick look at her before the
doctors, nurses and surgeons were dealing with her and
her Exomphalos. She was operated on 2 hours after birth
which was a success. She stayed in ICU for a month before
I got to take her home. No one except me and her father
were allowed into the ICU due to the swine flu epidemic
but I got the best birthday present ever when they told
me at last I could take her home.
Mariah is now 6 months old and doing so well, she has
a nasty scar on her tummy and no belly button but everything
inside is working wonderfully which is the most important
thing. We take her to see the surgeon every 3 months
and he (Mr Abel) is very happy with her progress. Mariah
may need cosmetic surgery on her tummy when she is 3
years old but the scar seems to be growing out. I love
her so much, she is my first child and I wouldn't change
a thing about her. I'm thankful for her everyday. God
is great.
|
