My Child's Heart Condition Changed Me as a Mother

I remember attending the 20-week scan for my pregnancy. My husband and I were naive and unprepared. We knew this anomaly scan would show potential medical concerns, but we never thought it would happen to us.

Looking at the grainy black and white image on the screen, I could see a little heart beating away. But even to me, untrained, first pregnancy, I could see that little heart didn’t look “right.”

The next 18 weeks were spent attending weekly appointments and in total I had 32 scans. Each week it seemed to be something new: heart too small, multiple holes, pulmonary stenosis.

Having a baby with a serious medical condition changes you. It changes your relationships and outlook on life. I’ve been very lucky that my husband and I have worked as a strong team through the tough times. I truly could not have done this without him by my side.

I wouldn’t change a thing about my gorgeous little girl and I feel truly blessed she has come into my life and made me a stronger, more capable mother.

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Getty image by Halfpoint