Continuing a Pregnancy with a lethal diagnosis

[TheDisillusionedAnarchist]

I am 23 weeks pregnant and sadly it was confirmed yesterday that our baby has Edwards' syndrome (trisomy 18). We had already known that he or she had a very complex cardiac defect, a small brain anomaly and a possible diaphragmatic hernia so we had partly anticipated this.

We both are committed to continuing the pregnancy, termination just doesn't feel like the right option for us, though I can completely understand how it does for many people. I wondered if there were others out there who had or are continuing a pregnancy with a lethal diagnosis and how they are handling people's questions and ideas about birth plans when you are not sure if the baby will be born alive or not and how long it may live.

[QuietIsland2]

How lovely to see you both. What gorgeous pictures!

[lavendersun]

Lovely photos OP, she is doing amazingly.

I remember the 5ml of colostrum in a vial! Seemed so little but the NICU staff made me feel like it was gallons! You are doing brilliantly too, I was so scared of my very tiny baby that I made DH do the first skin to skin.

I hope today goes well. .

[PontyGirl]

Lovely update! Thank you so much for sharing those pictures with us, what special moments they are. Her name is just fabulous wishing you all the best for the days ahead.

[toastyarmadillo]

Glad things are going so well with your little cherub x

[ovenchips]

What incredible moments those photos convey. I can feel the love in them.

[imip]

Beautiful update

Is there a way for you to save this thread - would be an amazing reminder of your family's journey.

[RJnomaaaaaargh]

She's lovely! She's so big! I had two very little babies and I expected her to be about that size.

[eatyouwithaspoon]

What beautiful photos, many congratulations on the birth of Rummer.

[Peaceloveandjammydodgers]

She's a lovely size! And go you on all that colostrum! Expressing is hard hard work.
Congrats again

[RandomMess]

Congratulations, she's gorgeous

[YouBastardSockBalls]

What a beautiful beautiful baby

And well done with your colostrum! You're doing a brilliant job

[Wait4nothing]

Just seen your story today - congratulations and my wishes for as much time as possible with your beautiful daughter ??

[Nonnainglese]

Fabulous news and what a gorgeous little girl. Hoping she goes from strength to strength, x

[duckfilledfattypuss]

Congratulations - Rumer is a beautiful baby

[dontcryitsonlyajoke]

How lovely to see these photos! She shares the same birthday as my 5 year old :) congratulations on the birth of Rumer! And on that colostrum - liquid gold :)

I hope that extubation goes well. Sounds like she's a brave, strong little girl. Bravo Rumer and mummy!

[cashewnutty]

Congratulations. Your baby is beautiful. Good luck for the future, whatever it may hold.

[Lolly86]

lovely pics

[shutupanddance]

Congratulations. Sending you all love and strength. Welcome Rumer.

[DepecheNO]

Congratulations! She is so beautiful. Wishing continued strength to all of you.

[afreshstartplease]

What a lovely thread

Good luck to you and your family op

[WhatWouldFlopDo]

Congratulations, she's lovely! You're doing a grand job

[GladysTheGolem]

Congratulations, beautiful pictures.
Thank you for sharing your lovely girl with us

[stayathomegardener]

Thank you for updating.
Congratulations to you all. Wishing Rumer strength and time with you.

[MrsBungle]

Congratulations! What truly beautiful pictures, Rumer is just gorgeous.