My ‘perfect’ little boy: Mother, 29, whose baby has no legs, one arm and a webbed hand says not having a.b.o.r.t.i.o.n was ‘best decision in her life’ after she learned of rare condition while he was still in womb
A UK mother who gave birth to a baby with one arm, no legs, and a webbed hand, says she never thought of terminating her pregnancy. The proud mom calls her baby son an “absolutely perfect” little boy.
Mom Rosie Higgs, 29, had been told at her routine 20-week scan that her son might have amniotic band syndrome, a condition that affects limbs from growing properly.
Rosie, a special needs school care assistant, from Harrow, London, said people questioned whether she should terminate the pregnancy, but she had “no doubt” she was going to keep her baby boy.
But she ignored family and friends asking if she was going to terminate the pregnancy and calls the decision the ‘best she’s ever made’.
Henry has also had an operation at Great Ormond Street Hospital to separate his webbed hand and now loves to splash around in the bath, wiggle his little hand and reach out and touch his toys.
Special needs school assistant Rosie, 29, from Harrow, London said: ‘When I was told my baby would only have one arm – and no legs – I was so worried and upset.
Henry was born on May 13, 2020, at Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, London, weighing a healthy 8 pounds 2 ounces (3.7 kg).
Dad Peter, an Emirates facilities and seating supervisor, went over to see his son first. He picked his baby son up and brought him over to Rosie and placed him in her arms.
“As he passed me my little boy I fell in love,” Rosie said.
When Rosie took the baby home to meet his sister, Alice, 13, and brother, Michael, 7, they didn’t bat an eyelid at his differences. “They were fine, they both love him and accept him for who he is,” she said.
Almost a year later, baby Henry now loves playing with his older brother and sister.
Grandmother Paula also loves her little grandson and knits clothing for him.
“Mum likes to crochet and knits so she makes him little outfits,” Rosie said. “She absolutely adores him and said he’s amazing, she’s not said much about his limbs. Everyone just accepts him for who he is.”
Little Henry is hitting all the milestones he should be: he’s able to lift objects up, lift his head up, and rollover.
“He’s able to pick things up without any problems which is really surprising. He’s progressing really well,” Rosie said.
Rosie said Henry loves sitting up in his highchair, but he’s not able to use a baby walker because he doesn’t have his bottom limbs. Henry has also had an operation at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London to separate his webbed hand.
Since Henry’s birth, Rosie has received support from Reach, a charity that helps children with upper 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.
“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.”
Henry is progressing so well I don’t have any worries about his future.
‘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.’
Source: dailymail.co.uk, theepochtimes.com
