Calm before the surreal

32 week ultrasound of our baby 'Sesame' (his belly name) due in May

We've had some news about our baby that many of you have now heard, but that we wanted to post in one place to make it easier for us to keep friends updated. 

A routine ultrasound recently showed our baby has dilated bowels, which further tests indicate are most likely due to an obstruction or malformation on the lower part of his small intestine (Ileal Atresia). There are other possible causes and we won't be sure the exact nature and extent of the problem til birth. However, we do know he will need lots of investigations at birth, probably major surgery in the first day or two of life, and several weeks recovering in NICU. 

We all have a big few months ahead of us. Grateful that we have access to this level of care, and that complications aside, the prognosis for these procedures is actually very good. Also grateful we found out now, with a little time to prepare ourselves. 

The surgery will be at The Children's Hospital at Westmead, and as this will all need to happen at birth, he now needs to be born in Westmead's major hospital for adults, right next door. This is logistically challenging as it's about 4 hours from our home in Orange (Did I mention my labour with Lena was three hours?) But it's the place you want to be around here for something like this, and everyone we've met there has been really helpful and very aware of supporting families. 

Our lives have become a whirlwind of appointments and lists, and trying to plan for something with many unknowns, not the least of which is when our little 'Sesame' will actually be born. He's fine where he is for now (apparently you don't really need your bowel til birth) so the plan is to let him incubate til he's ready so he's as big and strong as possible for surgery. 

We really appreciate all the kind thoughts and offers of help, which we will probably take you up on in the coming weeks/months. For the moment we are ok, and not entirely sure yet where we'll be staying and therefore what we'll be needing (unless anyone has a spare apartment near Westmead hospital?)

Will aim to keep this updated when we can. Thanks for your thoughts.