October is Spina Bifida Awareness Month

What is Spina Bifida?
During the first 28 days of a pregnancy the brain and spinal cord of developing baby form. Spina bifida is a neural tube defect and it occurs when the central nervous system of the developing baby fails to form normally at some point along its length. This can occur anywhere from the brain to the end of the spinal cord.

Why does Spina Bifida occur?
The causes od spina bifida are unknown. Some researchers have discovered that folic acid, a common B vitamin, can help reduce the risk of having a child with a neural tube defect. Women who take folic acid daily for at least one month before pregnancy will reduce their chances of having a baby with spina bifida. The FDA recommends that ALL women of child-bearing age take 0.4mg of folic acid everyday.

What effects does Spina Bifida have on a baby?
Spina bifida is a very complex birth defect and it affects every baby differently. There are different types of spina bifida and each child is affected at different levels. Some issues spina bifida can cause is hydrocephalus, Arnold Chiari II Malformation, tethered cord, bladder and bowel functions, orthopedic problems, eye problems, and skin problems, just to name a few. There is no cure for spina bifida.

My personal thoughts on Spina Bifida?
Although children with spina bifida can have numerous medical issues they can also grow to live normal lives. They may need a little extra help like a shunt, braces, therapy, walkers, wheelchairs, casts, or even trachs but most all have average or higher intelligence and will live productive lives. There are more surgeries and dr. appts than a normal baby but in return these children give inspiration and LOTS of love!!! Many parents are faced daily with the option to terminate their pregnancies when they find out they will be having a child born with spina bifida. The news of having a special needs child and the fear of the quality of life their child will have and the lack of knowledge about spina bifida from doctors makes these parents feel hopeless and confused as what to do. Some parents are overcome with guilt thinking something they did or did not do caused there baby to have this defect. The purpose of Spina Bifida Awareness Month is to inform these new parents-to-be that their children will be more normal than they think and that they will NEVER regret the decision to carry on their pregnancies. Once they see their little miracle for the first time they will know instantly their child was made for a purpose and they were chosen to be their child's advocate and biggest fan.

So, if you know of someone who is thinking of becoming pregnant pass on the folic acid information or if you know of someone who is learning that their child already has spina bifida, encourage them to get informed and talk with other parents who have children with spina bifida and see just how beautiful these children are.

Thanks to Autumn who has changed my life and taught me so much in just one short year. She has shown me there is more to life and has made me so thankful, appreciative, and blessed of the little things in life. She has given me purpose and direction. Our family has been changed in many ways because of Autumn and we say thank you....there are hard and challenging days but your joyful personality and strength make each and everyday worth it. We love you so much!!!