[ Post a Response | ECHO Dialogue ]
Posted by Pippa Duffy
on October 10, 2009, 23:31:24, in reply to "hello totally new to all this "
86.157.93.106
Hi Nic
Welcome to the message board, and hello to your little princess! I know that you'll get lots of replies, as the people who are members of ECHO are a lovely bunch 
. So your little princess is going to be arriving in the Spring! Is she your first baby, or do you have other children? I have 3 children, Amber (4), Jasmine (2) and little Leo (nearly 11 months). Leo is the reason I'm a member of ECHO! Like you, we found out antenatally that our baby was going to have a heart condition (I can tell you more if you want to know, but in a way, it's irrelevant!) What I remember is the rush of emotions in those first few weeks.......fear, anxiety, confusion etc. but at the same time, I remember a strong uprising in my own heart of LOVE! Feeling that this little one growing inside was a precious, precious child and that I would do all I could to protect him and help him in his journey. It made the remaining part of the pregnancy even more intense, but also very emotionally/mentally exhausting. Firstly in dealing with our own emotions, and additionally, dealing with other people's! All I really want to say to you right now, is that if you want to, you will find some good friends here, who will be such a valuable addition to your own friends and family, because we really really DO understand what you're experiencing at the moment. The information will be very 'raw' at the moment to you, and as it settles in, it will raise lots of questions that you can direct to the team of specialists who will begin to gather around you and your little princess (see, she's already got people wrapped around her little finger!). And although nothing can be 'changed', you will gradually find a way to make peace with it, and although it's a different journey to the one you anticipated, it is still your beautiful baby, your pregnancy, and at some point in a few months.... her arrival! In amongst all the medical appointments that will begin to kick in, do try to take time out for yourself and for your partner to just relax, and enjoy this special time. Which part of the UK are you moving back to? Leo is due to have heart surgery in early November, so if you're going to be at the Evelina for any check ups, then text me, and we can say hello face to face! 07930 418298. Take care, and remember that you'll always find a listening ear, some useful tips and occasionally, some bad jokes (yes, Nick DeNaer, I do mean you!). Hope that little princess lets you get some decent sleep! x
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