Approximately one in 5,000 babies are born with a birth defect called gastroschisis.
When a baby’s intestines are protruding through a hole in the stomach wall resulting in the intestines being located outside the body at birth, it’s called gastroschisis. Prenatal ultrasounds often identify this defect before birth.
Several years ago, blogger Matthew Bertram, wrote about he and his wife learning their son would be born with gastroschisis. They had suffered through an miscarriage only months earlier and were terrified to think they might lose another baby. Fortunately, their son was born healthy, apart from the gastroschisis. A week later, he underwent successful surgery to place his intestines inside his little body.
Bertram doesn’t go into medical-speak, but rather, he describes the emotional roller-coaster he and his wife had to ride. I’m sure other parents of children with special needs will be able to relate to the vast array of emotions they experienced. My take-away from the blog post was how important it is for parents to have support when their child is in crisis.
Support for Special Needs is a website that caters to parents and has a number of resources, as well as first-hand accounts on ways to cope.
Another wonderful organization is the March of Dimes. They offer support and resources for parents of premature infants and children born with birth defects. Part of their mission is to reduce infant mortality. Contact either of these organizations for more information on finding the support you need.
