We had the 19-20 week scan today and as always I walk in thinking everything will be ok, baby is healthy and normal, I never really believe anything will be wrong, right up until the end of the scan I thought that everything was normal.
I am then told that our baby has a problem with her heart, she will most likely require surgery shortly after birth, which means that once again my baby will be taken straight to NICU, my baby will once again be fed via a nasogastric tube, my baby will again not get to breastfeed although I do hope this will only be a short term problem, my baby once again will be taken to the royal childrens hospital so far away, I will have to express again, I will have to apart from my baby, I will miss so much, all this with DD in tow at just 19 months.
I am strong, I will get through this, I have not yet shead a tear, I am sad for what I will not get to experience but I am determind to make this experience a better one than what I experienced with DD. I just cannot believe I am here again.
I think I kind of expected that things would not be perfect. I wonder if I will ever experience newborn cuddles, newborn poos, my baby breastfeeding, taking my baby home from hospital with me, a baby with a smaller medical file then mine.
I am coping really well, I am sad for what is to come but I am not angry, everything happens for a reason, I still have lessons to learn.
If anyone does have personal experience with a baby that was born with a 'coarctation of the aorta' or an 'aortic interruption' I would love to have a chat about what is to come.
oh hunny big you are strong and your baby and family will need that when baby is born. I pray everything will be fine and youll have baby snug in your arms soon
oh hun my heart has just sunk your an amazing amazing women, stronger than i could ever be, im shedding tears for you. i hope that these things will only be minor setbacks for you both and the day you bring her home will be sooner than expected. let me know if there is anything i can do to help
Im sorry this isn't the journey you were hoping for dd. Im a cardiac nurse and have cared for adults after surgical repair of aortic coarctation however Im not familiar with the treatment for neonates sorry
I hope your dd's birth is uncomplicated and her hospital stay is short and smooth and you can get home asap for lots of cuddles and to get bf established
Im not sure if anyone has recommended it to you but 'Heart Kids' is a great australian organisation and would be able to help you get in touch with other parents who have walked a smililar path
lots of for you and your family, you are such a strong woman your girls are very lucky to have you as their mummy
Last edited by Novella; August 10th, 2009 at 07:54 PM.
: missed letter
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