Heterotaxy Syndrome | Adelaide Birth Photographer

WARNING – THIS POST CONTAINS IMAGES OF CHILD BIRTH.

To witness the birth of beautiful Baby Brea Williams was an unbelievable privilege. Watching Kirsty progress through the various stages of labour with the strength of character beyond her years was amazing. With an awesome support team around her, Kirsty brought her beautiful daughter into this world with minimal intervention and a rather entertaining sense of humour! She remained grounded and composed, and as she transitioned things really stepped up a gear.

As baby was about to arrive, the suite filled with medical staff due to Brea’s condition requiring immediate intensive care. I think we had 12 or so people in the room! I was lucky enough to score the front row position and captured an amazing array of shots as Brea was birthed. The value of these shots lay in the heart of the mother whose baby is whisked away for hours (perhaps a whole day) from her while she’s at her most vulnerable, left to feel as if it were all a dream. This separation really does, from what I’ve seen and sensed, have an impact on the mother’s ease of bonding with her baby.

3 Days later I returned to the hospital to see how Brea was getting on!

Brea’s journey has been so humbling to watch, as her parents deal with the ups and down of having a gorgeous newborn baby with a serious health condition. Brea and her family flew to Melbourne for her first lot of heart surgery a week after her birth. Her journey continues with as much love and support around her as any child deserves – to the moon and back!

Below is the slideshow 🙂

http://youtu.be/BCP-wPqmEhc

I am following the story of a very special mother-to-be as she prepares to bring her first child into the world. Kirsty is a warm-hearted young women with a fun-loving spirit, supportive partner and close family. She also happens to be the cousin of a special friend of mine, Shelley – who’s home birth I photographed late last year. When Shelley told me about her cousin’s pregnancy, I hoped I’d have the opportunity to follow her story.

Her pregnancy has been far from uneventful, which is part of what makes her journey particularly special. At her 20 week scan, Kirsty was shocked with the news that things were not “normal”. All her questions and anxieties were left up in the air. She was referred to the WCH and it was then that Kirsty discovered the full extent of her cherished baby’s development. Baby Williams had Heterataxy Syndrome. The result of this being that baby’s organs only include those from the right hand side of the body. Additionally, little baby Williams has Right Atrial Isomerism and will require heart surgery within days of being born. This procedure will need to occur in Melbourne and we are all hoping that there will be a room available for Kirsty and Brent at Ronald McDonald House over there!

Baby Williams will require a further 2 lots of heart surgery before the age of 5. This news would be daunting to any expectant mother, and Kirsty’s strength and resilience is a true inspiration.

As I attended Kirsty’s baby shower it was clear to me just how much love and support she has around her. I hope you enjoy sharing this journey too as I follow her story and the journey of Baby Williams.

Adelaide Birth Photographer