It is with great love and happiness, that a very beautiful baby girl was welcomed into the world on Saturday 14th July.
Moana-Rose Alpine Dryland.
What a strong and resilient gorgeous wee girl you are! You have been through such a journey even before your birth.
You are a truly remarkable girl! Resilient, tough and adaptable like all things that survive and thrive in alpine environments.
The last few weeks of pregnancy continued to provide Becs with lots of uncertainty around Baby Dryland’s arrival plans with recurring increased bleeding episodes and increased uterine activity. Becs moved towards almost full bed rest in trying to make the goal of 37 weeks. She was so pleased with the passing of each day and to have made it without Baby Dryland arriving early.
As Moana-Rose waited until 37 weeks to arrive (the maximum gestation following fetal surgery), the scheduled C-Section was able to be performed by Dr Gardener and Dr Lodge. This made for a very special time at delivery, both doctors have been instrumental in the care and support of Becs and Baby Dryland over the past three months.
Moana-Rose weighed in at a robust 3270 g (7.2 lbs). She required only 15 minutes of breathing support at delivery. She spent her first few days in NICU, for monitoring and for IV fluids for a low blood glucose.
Over the recent months since the surgery Becs and Moana-Rose have consistently achieved beyond doctor’s expectations. Since birth Moana-Rose has continued to do so, with uneventful days in NICU and before heading to the ward to be with Mum for a few days prior to discharge on 18th July. It was a big event for Becs to exit the hospital, after close to three months admission, with a beautiful baby in her arms.
Becs and Mona-Rose are now staying at the nearby Ronald Mc Donald House, with follow up specialist appointments over the next two weeks. The plan is to then head home as soon as possible.
Becs and Moana-Rose will likely stay in Christchurch for follow up at Christchurch Hospital, before the final leg home to Hokitika.
Outcomes from the spina bifida surgery have again and again shown positive results as Moana-Rose has grown and developed so well in-utero whilst also healing from her surgery. Her wound is healing well, she has good movement of her legs and feet and head and kidney scans were ‘unremarkable’. Instead of needing to have surgery straight after birth to close the hole in her spine, and/or for shunting, Moana-Rose has been able to be picked up, held, fed and cared for by her Mum, like most new-born babies. This has been made possible by having the opportunity for fetal surgery. These are all fantastic outcomes and are setting Moana-Rose off to a great start in life.
Becs is feeling so fortunate to have had the opportunity of fetal surgery and such strong support from so many. This has already made a huge positive impact on Moana-Rose’s life. Becs wishes to express her immense gratitude and thanks to all those that have been involved in the journey of Moana-Rose.
Thanks to Dr Gardener, his wonderful team and the countless others who have contributed to this remarkable journey of successful events and the safe arrival of Moana-Rose.
Becs and her medical and nursing teams, along with her support people and so many generous donors have done a sensational job of doing all possible to give Moana-Rose the very best start in life.
Such a wonderful journey filled with an abundance of kindness, well wishes and support from people all across the globe. Heartfelt thanks to everyone for all your well wishes, kindness and generous support.
We hope you get the chance to meet Moana-Rose sometime soon!
