Being pregnant can prove to be a challenging period for women.
In addition to handling the physical aspects of carrying a child in the womb, there is also the constant worry that something may go awry with the baby.
Fortunately, in most instances, everything goes smoothly. The anxiety and apprehension are replaced with relief the moment you are able to hold your newborn, healthy baby.
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Jennie Wilklow, however, never had the chance to experience that sense of relief – quite the opposite.
Jennie underwent a relatively uneventful pregnancy. She and her partner were excitedly awaiting their child, and all the check-ups provided them with the same reassurance: the baby seemed to be doing well.
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But the cloud of worry started to build up when Jennie was rushed into an emergency cesarean section in the 34th week. Despite the successful operation and delivery, it quickly became apparent that something was amiss with Jennie’s daughter.
“As they brought her out, I heard her cry and they remarked: ‘She is absolutely beautiful.’ These are the words that every mother longs to hear, so I smiled and relaxed,” said Jennie.
However, the mood in the room shifted seconds later. The baby’s expression changed.
A number of nurses and doctors appeared alarmed upon witnessing the distressing condition of the newborn daughter.
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“They did everything they could to assist her, but her skin turned rock solid within seconds. Once the skin hardened, it began to crack, resulting in open wounds all over her body. I glimpsed their anxious faces and inquired if everything was alright,”
After receiving assurances from the doctor that they had the situation under control, Jennie was given sedative medication and drifted off to sleep.
Upon waking up several hours later, Jennie was briefed by a doctor. It was revealed that her newborn daughter Anna was afflicted with a condition known as Harlequin ichthyosis.
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As she comprehended the gravity of the situation, she looked towards her husband.
“My husband’s silence unnerved me; he was in a state of shock when the doctor departed. He kept uttering, ‘This is dire,’”
Harlequin ichthyosis is a genetic anomaly that leads to the skin growing approximately 14 times faster than usual. This results in a reddish hue encompassing the entire body, affecting the eyes, mouth, nose, and ears as well.
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Infants born with Harlequin ichthyosis typically expire within a few days post-birth.
Nevertheless, those who manage to survive can anticipate a normal lifespan. Unfortunately, they are also susceptible to encountering complications and developmental delays, particularly in terms of motor skills.
“For the subsequent two days, I delved into information about her condition. I became cognizant of the bleak quality of life that awaited her. I allowed myself to acknowledge this notion, as it was solely at that juncture, during the most bewildering and desolate phase of my life. It was then and there that I pondered if it might be preferable if she passed away,” recounted Jennie.
Yet, the resilient little girl whom Jennie brought into the world proved to be a fighter.
With the aid of medical professionals and her family, Anna managed to survive.
Ultimately, they brought her home, and they made every effort to care for Anna.
Jennie recounts the initial struggle in the early days:
“Every two hours, I would apply petroleum jelly on her and immerse her in baths for hours on end. For so many years, I had envisioned what my beloved daughter would wear, and even though it appeared so trivial, it was the most challenging battle for me,”
Despite the adversities, Anna provided her mother with a wholly new outlook on life:
“I began to realize that by imposing limitations on what she could achieve, her progression would be stymied. Therefore, I resolved to establish lofty standards. I determined that the objective was for her to pursue her desires, and the same objectives applied to myself,”
Since then, Jennie has set up an Instagram account that chronicles her and her daughter’s rollercoaster journey through life.
“I now comprehend that she was bestowed upon me owing to the love that I already harbor in my heart for my daughter. Anna was destined for me, and I for her, and in unison, we will demonstrate to the world the beauty it can behold,”
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What are your thoughts on Jennie and Anna’s saga? I believe they illustrate that amidst a rather chilly world, there is space for both affection, disparities, and warmth!
Occasionally, reality does not align with expectations or fantasies, but we can come to terms with the fact that everyone is born distinctively and not all individuals conform to the norm, signifying substantial progress.
The fact that Jennie is so forthcoming and dares to recount her and Anna’s tale holds significant meaning.
If you also regard Anna as an exceedingly endearing and resilient little girl, please share this story with your friends and family!
