January is Birth Defects Awareness Month. Has birth defects touched your life? If so, this is a safe place to join in a discussion and/or share your story.
On a hot August day, nearly 8 years ago, my husband and I were told that our unborn baby had multiple birth defects when I had an ultrasound at 22 weeks gestation. Seven weeks later, after multiple tests and unanswered questions, our beloved Marco was born. He weighed just 1 lb 10 oz. They tried to save him, but they couldn't. There was no way for his life to be sustained, and we were left with no choice than to withdraw care. He died peacefully on my chest after about 4 hours of life, my husband at our side. It was the most heartbroken we have ever been.
The doctors never could give us a diagnosis for the condition that caused Marco's defects and stole his life. They said that it was something genetic, very rare, and most likely wouldn't reoccur in a subsequent pregnancy.
We were very fortunate to have 2 healthy daughters over the next 6 years, Lucia and Annabelle. There brother's light shines in them every day.
If you'd like to share your story, please join in the discussion here.
Libby
