A 29-year-old mother from England gave birth to a baby boy who has one arm, no legs, and a hand with a fused finger. She shared that she never considered abortion and proudly calls her son “absolutely perfect.”
Rosie Higgs, a special needs teaching assistant from Harrow, London, was informed during her 20-week ultrasound that her son could have Amniotic Band Syndrome, a condition that affects the normal development of limbs.
Despite being questioned about whether she should consider abortion, Rosie was “certain” that she would keep her son.
Henry Higgs was delivered via cesarean section. He has one arm and a hand with a fused finger. Currently, at 11 months old, Henry enjoys splashing in the bath and reaching out to his toys.
When Rosie learned about her son’s limb differences, she felt worried and sad. However, in her mind, she was always certain that she would keep her son, regardless of anyone’s advice.
The pregnancy period was challenging for Rosie. She had weekly ultrasounds, and each time they revealed something different. While working, she could distract herself, but when she had to stop and think, she became overwhelmed with worries about potential complications.
However, Henry is a happy child who is not hindered by his physical differences in any way. He has a bright smile and loves his older sister.
“He may not have all his limbs, but he is perfect to me,” Rosie said.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions in 2020, Rosie’s mother, Paula, couldn’t support her daughter during the childbirth process. However, Rosie’s partner, Peter, stood by her side throughout the ultrasound appointments.
Rosie experienced mixed emotions when Henry was born. The midwives asked if she wanted to meet him immediately, and she was nervous about their first encounter.
Ultrasounds can only provide limited information, and seeing Henry for the first time was a moment filled with anticipation and uncertainty.
Henry was born on May 13, 2020, at Northwick Park Hospital in Harrow, London, weighing a healthy 3.7 kg.
Rosie fell in love with her little son as soon as he was placed in her arms.
When Rosie brought Henry home to meet his older sister, Alice, 13, and older brother, Michael, 7, they didn’t pay much attention to his differences. Both siblings love and accept him for who he is.
Almost a year later, Henry enjoys playing with his siblings. Michael, who has autism, may not show as much attention to Henry as Alice does, but both children adore him. Alice treats Henry as if he were her own biological brother, showing immense love for him. She is like a second mother to him.
Henry has achieved all expected milestones. He can pick up objects, raise his head, and roll over without any issues.
He also babbles and communicates as if he’s having a conversation. His babbling wakes Rosie up in the morning. Henry has a remarkable routine, going to bed at 7:30 pm and waking up at 6:30 am.
Rosie mentions that Henry enjoys sitting in his high chair but cannot use a walker due to his lack of legs. He has undergone surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London to separate his fused finger.
Henry is progressing well, and Rosie is not worried about his future. She acknowledges that he may always have some differences, but they take each day as it comes, knowing that Henry can overcome any challenges he may face.
Since Henry’s birth, Rosie has received support from Reach, a charity organization that assists children with limb differences.
Rosie received support from Reach, a charity that supports children with limb disabilities. Through Reach, Rosie has had the opportunity to meet and share experiences with others with children with limb differences, and they have provided her with helpful resources and information to understand and care for Henry. better.
In addition, Rosie has also connected with an online community of parents of children with limb differences. Thanks to the support and sharing of experiences of others, Rosie has found joy and optimism in raising and caring for Henry.
Currently, Rosie and her family are actively participating in Reach community activities and events to raise awareness about disability and create acceptance for people with disparate limbs.
In everyday life, Rosie has managed to adapt to taking care of Henry. She created a safe and stimulating environment for her son, helping him develop his skills and abilities.
Rosie hopes that sharing her story about Henry will help create awareness and acceptance among children with limb differences and inspire families who are going through the same situation. .
Although Rosie faced difficulties and worries at first, she is now proud and happy with her son Henry. Henry is seen as perfect with his differences and the whole family loves and accepts him.
Rosie concludes that the love and support of her family, community, and charities have helped her and Henry overcome all challenges and create a happy and meaningful life.
Rosie has been through a difficult and challenging journey in the care and upbringing of her son Henry, who has a different limb. At first, she felt anxious and confused, but thanks to support from her family, community and charities, Rosie found the confidence and love to overcome all difficulties.
Rosie sought knowledge and experience from other sources and people with similar experiences. As a result, she found a way to create a safe and stimulating environment for Henry to grow and mature. Rosie has also participated in community activities and events to increase awareness of disability issues and create acceptance among people with disparate limbs.
Eventually, Rosie comes to the point of realizing that Henry is a perfect human being with his differences and that the whole family has always loved and accepted him. She feels proud and happy for her son and hopes that sharing her story will help create awareness and acceptance among children with chi differences and inspire. for families who are going through the same situation.
At the end of the story, Rosie and Henry overcame all obstacles and created a happy and meaningful life thanks to the love and support from those around them.