As many of you know, Kinley Barbara Snyder-Freeman, was born January 14th. What most of you don’t know is that she was born with a congenital esophageal disorder, or Tracheoesophageal Fistula (the esophagus is not attached to the stomach, 1 in 4000 babies are born with this). Amanda’s doctor noticed an abnormality in an ultrasound 3 weeks ago. There was excess amniotic fluid, her stomach was not identifiable and her abdomin was underdeveloped. Amanda’s new parent jitters quickly turned into fear and sorrow for the complications that her daughter would have to endure. A follow up ultrasound the day before Kinley was born showed that her previous problems were unresolved. The doctor sent Amanda to Cottage Children’s Hospital in Santa Barbara, where they would be better equipped to handle Kinley and the surgery that would be necessary to fix the defect. The doctor also requested that Amanda be induced the following morning. Kinley, being the strong-willed little girl that she already is, decided to come on her own time- we arrived at Cottage on Friday night around 6:30pm (12 hours before she was to be induced), and at 7:30pm Amanda was 6cm dilated. The next 10 hours of natural labor showed strength and courage like I have never seen before. Amanda remained calm and endured the pain of labor without any medication (even though I offered the option about every 5 minutes). And at 5:49am, immediately after Amanda cried “where is she?!”, Kinley was born! She was so cute, even with the newborn look going on. She was placed on Amanda’s chest and without even opening her eyes she reached for Amanda’s face! She knew exactly where her mom was.
Kinley’s surgery went well, but through that surgery the doctor discovered that they need to further stretch the esophagus over the next eight weeks and then operate again. The typical results are very encouraging and the long term effects are minimal when it is discovered early on like this. Amanda is handling it extremely well, her bravery and fortitude are nothing short of inspirational. She has given the situation to God and she knows that he is in control!
Kinley is looking at at least 12 more weeks in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Amanda will be returning to work in San Luis Obispo. Her plan is to work during the day and be with Kinley at night. My hope is that as Amanda’s friends and family we will be able to help her and Kinley during this hard time, help to ease their burden. Any amount of money, any words of support, any prayers for strength and recovery help. Amanda is not asking for this and she may scold me for doing this, but we have a chance to support and love her when she needs it most. And if you know Amanda, you know that she would be the first person to help anyone out if they were in this situation. If you are able to give in any way, it is very much appreciated. It is well deserved as Amanda is an extremely hard worker, and all donations will go to The Kinley Barbara Foundation with the purpose of handling immediate medical costs and long term hospital fees. These surgeries and hospital stays are going to be paid off over the duration of Kinley’s life, there is no quick fix for that, but we can help little by little right now.
Thank you for reading. Stay tuned for more updates on Baby K and Amanda!
-Kial
-Kial
I’ve attached websites that better explain Tracheoesophageal Fistula.
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