Our beautiful baby boy ~Bailey~ was born sleeping on 24 March 2009
My lovely mum, Val, passed away on 9 April 2015 (my best friend)

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Our First Cleft Support Group Meet-up

Brodie, Will and I went to our first cleft support group get together yesterday. It was at a play park for little kids. Brodie even got a present from Santa, which I thought was gorgeous since we aren't members yet. I was really nervous before going, but the people who attended are friendly and happy, so it made things a bit easier for us.

We got to see other kids with clefts, and to see the outcome of the surgeries. Only one baby was there that hadn't had the surgery yet. The kids all look happy and very outgoing, and Brodie had a ball with them as they are about his age. You can tell the children there that have a cleft condition to those that don't so it was interesting to see what the outcome of the surgeries are. Obviously there is scarring that can't be avoided, but I guess when you compare before and after surgery there is a huge difference.

There was a cleft affected person in his 60s and one in his 30s, and it was interesting to hear their stories as they had to wait much longer for their surgeries, and how they are still going in for more surgeries. Life long condition, so it doesn't just stop with the surgeries in infancy.

Still a bit scary for me though, but I guess once my little baby is born, and everything starts falling into place, we'll get through it.

I started initially telling people about our baby's condition, but have stopped now, because people's reaction to it is the same as when they found out I lost Bailey. It can't be avoided obviously, but right now I just want to get everything right in my head first, before dealing with other's reactions.

Our Beautiful Baby

1 comment:

Lana said...

Hi Fiona,

your bubby is beautiful and I'm sure Bailey will be looking out for bubby.

I am glad you have found a group that you can get support from even at this early stage.

Thinking of you all.
xx