Day 7: Organizing the Medical Records and Information

31 letters to the new mom of a child with Spina Bifida

Day 7:  Organizing the Medical Records and Information

Dear Momma,

Organization is a key element in any household; however, when there is a family member that requires extra medical attention organization is a necessity.  Right after Jaycie was born, the hospital gave us a huge 3-ring binder that zipped closed.  They said it was for keeping up with all of her medical appointments and records.  I thanked the nurse coordinator for bringing it in and I put it in our belongings to take home.  I thought “I’ll get to this when we get home, in a few weeks.”  I wasn’t thinking about the fact that my time and energy would be “zapped” after we returned home.

Day 6: Photos of my Jaycie

31 letters to the New Mom of a Child with Spina Bifida

Day 6:  Photos of my Jaycie

Dear Momma,

Here are a few photos of my baby girl in the hospital and now that she is older.

One of the first times I held her, after her back closure surgery.  Look at all that hair!

Day 5: Laughter is the Best Medicine

31 Letters to the new Mom of a child with Spina Bifida
Day 5:  Laughter is the Best Medicine

Dear Momma,

Throughout the process of Jaycie's diagnosis, her birth and bringing her home; our family found some wonderful comfort in laughter.  I wanted to share the videos below to let you know it is okay to laugh again. 

With Love,

Sherry

Day 4: The Process

31 Letters to the new mom of a child with Spina Bifida

Day 4: The Process

Dear Momma,

Whether you found out while you were pregnant or didn’t know until your little one was born, you will still need to understand and face the process that is “grieving”.  When my husband and I first found out about Jaycie’s Spina Bifida diagnosis, I was numb. 

31 Letters to the New Mom of a Child with Spina Bifida Day 3: Information and Resources

Day 3:  Information and Resources

Our Jaycie, on vacation, she had just
eaten some green candy. :)

Momma,

The best way to learn is to find someone that has travelled the road you are facing.  If you have any questions or comments please contact me or comment below. 

31 Letters to the New Mom of a Child with Spina Bifida, Day 2: Making Your Press Statement to Friends and Family

Day 2:  Making your Press Statement to Family and Friends

Dear Momma,

Since finding out that your baby will be born with Spina Bifida, you have probably been bombarded with questions from friends and family members and you are still trying to comprehend the information yourself.  First let me say, it is okay to say, “I don’t want to discuss this right now.”  I basically went into hiding after we found out about our little Jaycie.  I was depressed, grieving and did not feel prepared to answer their questions.  Plus, some people do not have a lot of sense and they have a tendency to ask stupid, insensitive questions. 

31 Letters to the New Mom of a child with Spina Bifida Day 1: Getting the News

Day 1:  Getting the News

Dear Momma,

I remember the day that I received the call from the doctor’s office.  It was a voicemail to be exact and the nurse said, “There were some concerns with your blood work and we are going to refer you to another clinic for further evaluation.  Please call the office on Monday morning to schedule an appointment to speak to the doctor.”