February 7-14 is Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week! While my boys didn’t have this …. their heart sister, Josie, does. This is a post from Josie’s mom about Congenital Heart Defects.
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Babies with congenital heart defects look like they are healthy. But true is there’s a battle going on inside them!
A congenital heart defect is a problem with the structure of the heart. It is present at birth. Congenital heart defects are the most common type of major birth defect.
A baby’s heart begins to develop shortly after conception. During development, structural defects can occur. These defects can involve the walls of the heart, the valves of the heart and the arteries and veins near the heart. Congenital heart defects can disrupt the normal flow of blood through the heart. The blood flow can
- Slow down
- Go in the wrong direction or to the wrong place
- Be blocked completely
Treatment for the defect can include medicines, surgery and other medical procedures and heart transplants. The treatment depends on the type and severity of the defect and a child’s age, size and general health. Today, many children born with complex heart defects grow to adulthood and lead productive lives.
Congenital heart defects are the most common type of birth defect. They affect 8 out of every 1,000 newborns. Each year, more than 35,000 babies in the United States are born with congenital heart defects.
This is a picture of Josie when she was just a couple weeks old she looked so healthy. And we thought she pretty much was. We are learned that things can change quiet quick when you have a CHD child. Not only for them but for your whole family.
Please help spread CHD awareness!
Thank you!
<3 Brittanie
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Funny how it feels so close to home for me now. Emma’s (my brother’s girlfriend) little brother, Finn, has this same defect. And now a cousin of mine just had a baby, Kaleb, with this defect. In less than a year three special heart babies have come into my life. Help spread the word.
Love, Mel
I LOVE the “heart sister” especially since it is a special kind of Heart Month. Mel you are a special person, whom GOD has given to the rest of us to enjoy. You are certainly one of his gifts.
Thanks and Happy Valentines day a little early!
Baby zoe is beautiful. I hope her heart works out. Owens heart. Special prayers for all families linked together. Thanks all who share their stories !
You should be a very proud mama. Even if Owen’s heart doesn’t live inside Josie forever, I hope that she will forever live in your heart. He saved her – Josie is alive because of his sacrifice, and your bravery.