1) What it means to be a heart parent
It took just seven words to change my entire life.
Seven words which broke my heart, shattered my dreams and turned my world upside down.
Seven words from which I emerged a stronger and more compassionate person.
“There’s something wrong with the baby’s heart.”
My most popular post by far describes what it really means to be a heart parent.
2) To us on the day we became heart parents
“I see you sitting there in that scan room. Cold with fear and the terrible realisation that something is wrong, very wrong with your baby’s heart. I see you clinging to each other, neither wanting to voice the terrible thought that fills both your minds – that your child will die. I see your tears, your pain and the little spark of strength that will ignite and grow and keep you going…”
If I could go back to the day that we first became heart parents, this is what I would tell myself.
3) The truth about… the 20 week scan
Jessica’s heart condition was picked up at her 20 week scan; if it hadn’t been, she would not be here today. Her story featured as part of Tiny Tickers’ Big Tick campaign to help raise awareness of the importance of early detection of congenital heart defects and what questions expectant parents should be asking at the 20 week scan.
4) Being a heart dad: a personal reflection
“What is it like being a ‘heart’ Dad? It’s scary…”
My husband shares his reflections on what it is like to be a heart dad, his fears and thoughts and just why he is proud to be a heart daddy.
5) Challenging the assumptions about my heart child
Sharing some of the comments I have received as a heart parent – the assumptions people make about my heart child versus the reality.
6) Preparing for preschool with a heart child
Sharing some of the things I learned whilst preparing my heart child to start preschool for the first time.
7) Stories from the Heart – Heart Mummy
A post from Helen who blogs at Heart Mummy, whose younger son has hypoplastic left heart syndrome, sharing her family’s journey.
8) Congenital heart defects: books for children
A list of books aimed at trying to help children understand more about their heart conditions, why they have a “zipper” scar and the procedures that they may undergo in hospital.
Reflecting back over our heart family journey, three years on from Jessica’s second heart surgery.
Sharing some more details about hypoplastic left heart syndrome, the heart condition that Jessica has, and how surgery has ‘replumbed’ her heart to help it work more efficiently.
I think I have read all of these….Fantastic posts x
Thanks Kim x