After discovering that her baby would have her intestines outside her body, a mother of four has spoken out in horror.
Laura Woodward, 24, from Clitheroe, Lancashire, received the news her baby had gastroschisis – a rare birth defect that causes a baby’s intestines to be born on the outside of their body – shortly after her 12-week scan.
Although the mother was scared, Millie Woodward, 5lbs 11ozs at Liverpool Womens NHS Foundation Trust, was delivered via planned C-section.
Laura received her first cuddle after her exposed intestines had been wrapped in clingfilm. Her vital organs were quickly re-inserted and she left with nothing but an unhappy belly button.
Laura Woodward from Clitheroe (Lancashire), 24, revealed how horrified she was to discover that her baby girl would come with her intestines exposed outside her body. Millie and Laura at 10 months
She was born with gastroschisis – a rare birth defect that causes a baby’s intestines to be born on the outside of their body. Pictured, Millie one day after her birth at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital
Laura said, “To see her now, it’s impossible to believe she’s gone through all that.”
The sonographer informed me that they were “sorry”. I was shocked.
“But, after the most stressful period of our lives she arrived, it could not have been better.
“We love her so much – she’s a gorgeous little girl.”
Laura received her first cuddle by wrapping her exposed intestine in clingfilm. Within hours, her vital organs had been reinserted shortly after she was born.
Laura didn’t allow it to worry her. Adam Porter, her 30-year-old partner, was not able to come with her for her 12 week scan at Blackburn Hospital, June 2020. This was due to the coronavirus restrictions. Laura in her first trimester.
Millie underwent reversal surgery in order to insert her small and larger intestines back into her body. The operation went very smoothly at Alder Hey Hospital Liverpool. Millie and one of her surgeons. Right, Millie at Liverpool Womens NHS Foundation Trust before being transferred Alder Hey Childrens Hospital
Photo: Millie, breastfeeding via her nasojejunal tube December 19, last year
Ava (7 years old), Zachary (5 year) and Tommy (five-year-old twins) decided to take a private 8-week test for gender in May 2020, before going through a 12-week scan one month later.
Laura explained that Laura was not worried about it because she had already done it three times previously with other children.
“I was familiar with the process and had experienced it in other pregnancies. I did not believe this would change.
Laura didn’t let the news worry her. Adam Porter (30), was unable to accompany Laura for her 12 week scan at Blackburn Hospital, June 2020 due to restrictions with coronavirus.
Her world was turned on its head when the sonographer found that their unborn child had a rare birth defect.
Laura claims that she would never believe her daughter has been through so many things if you looked at her right now.
“But, after the most stressful period of our lives, she arrived, it couldn’t be better. She’s a wonderful little girl, and we’re proud of her,” Laura shared about Millie.
They are seen at home with Millie, their baby Millie, Zachary and Tommy, respectively, aged seven and five years.
Laura explained, “They simply looked at my face and apologized. It was like everything had gone into slow motion.”
“I was terrified because I didn’t know what this would mean for my baby.”
A specialist scan was performed to determine the couple’s child’s exact birth defect. The doctors determined that the little girl had gastroschisis. In this condition, the stomach grows outside the body.
Laura stated, “They tried to comfort us but it sounded frightening.”
“We were advised that we didn’t need to go through with the pregnancy, even though it was my choice. But I couldn’t deny our baby any chance.
“They assured us that there was a good chance of survival and it could be corrected. So we can only hope for the best.
Laura shared that it was difficult for her to be positive throughout pregnancy.
Millie is now 11 months old and weighed 5lb 11ozs.
“I always considered 11 to be lucky. It is even more for me now.Laura stated.
“When she arrived, they wrapped her exposed organs in clingfilm. They allowed me to hold her for just a few minutes. It was exactly what I needed after months of worry.”
Millie underwent reversal surgery in order to inject her small and big intestines back into her body. The operation went very smoothly at Alder Hey Hospital Liverpool.
Laura stated that “to look at her now, it’s impossible to believe she’s had so much,”
“She has an outie bellybutton, is smaller than her friends and I love her even more.
‘I do my best to not molly-coddle or smother her. But, I still want to make sure she is safe and happy.
“She’s perfect in everything.”