The lives of Eliza Bahneman and her husband were forever changed on October 25, 2018, when their daughter Bella made her early entrance into the world.
This surprise arrival was met with a mix of emotions – excitement, anxiety, and a whole lot of love. Bella’s birth taught them valuable lessons about life’s unpredictability and the strength of their family bond.
During Eliza’s pregnancy, she found solace in the company of her sister, sister-in-law, and a few close friends who were also expecting. Having someone to share the ups and downs of pregnancy with was a blessing. They provided support and understanding during this transformative time.
As the due date drew near, Eliza and her husband eagerly prepared to welcome their little one. Their anticipation grew as they set up the perfect space for Bella and looked forward to introducing her to their loved ones. The joy of seeing traits inherited from each parent brought immense delight.
Although Eliza had heard stories about the challenges of nursing, she was eager to develop a deep bond with her child. Pregnancy had been a smooth journey for her, despite some initial concerns. Regular check-ups and prenatal tests reassured Eliza and her husband that everything was progressing well.
On the evening of October 24th, Eliza sent a heartfelt message to her husband, expressing her intuition that Bella would arrive sooner than expected. Little did she know that her intuition would be right. At 1:15 a.m. the next day, her water broke, and the rush to the hospital began. It was a whirlwind of emotions and unexpected circumstances.
Throughout the labor, Bella’s well-being became a concern as her pulse rate fluctuated. Eliza had to remain in a specific position to ensure her baby’s safety. The use of epidural and Pitocin made her feel exhausted and sick. Mixed emotions and confusion overwhelmed Eliza during this intense experience.
With the guidance of medical professionals, Bella was finally born after a 12-hour labor. She arrived a month early, weighing just five and a half pounds. Eliza noticed a small folded ear but didn’t pay much attention, knowing that newborns can have peculiar appearances. Little did she know that this was just the beginning of their unexpected journey.
In the moments following Bella’s birth, Eliza couldn’t understand why there was a lack of celebration and congratulations. Her husband seemed uncertain and afraid, and even her mother avoided eye contact. Confusion and sadness overcame Eliza as she realized something was not right.
The room filled with specialists and medical professionals, leaving Eliza feeling even more lost and broken. It soon became apparent that Bella was different. Their world was turned upside down, and they were thrust into a disorganized and uncertain space. In the midst of this turmoil, Eliza questioned whether she would be able to have more children.
Amidst the chaos, Eliza longed to hold her baby and provide her with comfort and reassurance. Finally, Bella was placed in her arms, and their eyes met. It was a precious moment that conveyed both fear and comfort, strengthening Eliza’s determination to protect her daughter no matter what.
Bella needed to be taken to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for further medical attention. Eliza’s heart ached as she watched her husband and baby leave the room, leaving her feeling empty and questioning why this was happening to them.
Throughout Bella’s NICU stay, Eliza and her husband learned to navigate a new reality. They received support from their parents and were comforted by the presence of a close friend who worked at the hospital. Despite the challenges of managing motherhood, a rare syndrome, and the daily information overload, they remained resilient.
After eight weeks in the NICU, Bella was finally discharged and allowed to go home. Eliza and her husband became not only her parents but also her caregivers. The journey ahead was filled with numerous procedures and challenges, but they were grateful for the training they received in the NICU, which enabled them to save Bella’s life on several occasions.
Bella’s diagnosis of Treacher Collins syndrome, a rare genetic disorder affecting facial bone development, brought new obstacles to overcome. But Eliza and her husband embraced their new normal and found strength in their extensive support network. Bella receives ongoing medical care and attends therapy sessions to ensure her overall development.
Although their path is different from what they had envisioned, Eliza wouldn’t trade it for anything. The lessons learned from this journey have shaped her into a stronger person and taught her the importance of love, resilience, and cherishing every moment.
Thank you for sharing your story and reminding us all of the power of love and strength in the face of adversity. Bella is a beautiful and special child, and so are you and your husband. Stay strong, and know that you have an army of supporters cheering you on every step of the way.
