In the UK, a mother decided to keep her child despite warnings that her baby will not look normal.
Rosie Higgs, 29, was warned ahead that Baby Henry could have Amniotic Band Syndrome, a medical condition where the limbs are inhibited from growing properly inside the womb.
When asked by family and friends if Rosie’s going to abort the pregnancy, the mother ignored it, kept her baby, and said that it is the best decision she’s ever made.
11-month-old Henry also underwent surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital to separate his webbed hand, and now, he loves to wiggle his little hand and touch his toys.
“When I was told my baby would only have one arm, and no legs, I was so worried and upset,” Rosie, who works as a special needs school assistant said. “There was no doubt in my mind that I was keeping him no matter what I was advised.”
“He’s able to pick things up without any problems which are really surprising,” she said. “He’s progressing really well.”
“Henry is happy, he loves sitting up in his highchair, but we have to be careful,” Rosie said. “He’s not able to use a baby walker because it wouldn’t be safe for him because he doesn’t have his bottom limbs.”
“Henry is progressing so well I don’t have any worries about his future,” she added. “I know he will always be a little bit different but we take it day by day and I know he’ll be able to cope with any future challenges.”
Rosie gave birth alone to Henry last year during the lockdown as Covid restrictions prohibit her husband and mother to be with her in the hospital.
But when she took Henry home to meet his siblings, they didn’t bat an eyelid and immediately fell in love with their baby brother.
“Not being able to have my mum with me at the birth was heartbreaking, especially as I knew Henry was high risk,” Rosie said. “Luckily the midwives were absolutely incredible.”
“I was so stressed throughout my pregnancy and when Henry was born the midwives asked if I wanted to see him straight away because I was nervous,” she explained. “Scans can only tell you so much, it was such a build-up and a worry when he first came out I didn’t know what to expect.”
Following Henry’s birth, Rosie has received generous support from Reach, a charity that helps children with limb differences.
“Thanks to the charity I’ve been in contact with loads of parents in similar positions,” Rosie said. “They’ve been amazing.”
“They’ve really helped me get through it,” she said. “The house is something that we’re going to have to adapt as he gets older because it’s not suitable the way it is at the moment. That is a bit of a worry.”
“But he is such a happy chap and doesn’t let his disability hold him back in any way,” Rosie said. “He’s a flirt, he’s got a cheeky smile and he’s always laughing. He loves his big sister.”
“He might not have all of his arms and legs, but he’s absolutely perfect to me.”