Eight-month old Noah Spano and his parents, Kristina and Matthew, have been on a challenging journey of surgeries, procedures and healing. Noah was born last September with a congenital heart defect and has been receiving donor milk from Mothers’ Milk Bank of North Texas.
The immunological and protective properties of breastmilk have been essential in keeping Noah strong and healthy. When Kristina’s own supply of breastmilk declined, Cook Children’s Medical Center stepped in and ordered donor milk as a part of his medical treatment. Kristina says, “I cannot thank the donor moms enough! It truly has been such a blessing to have donor milk, and I believe Noah would not have healed as well if we did not have this option. I wish I could hug each and everyone who donates!”
How it all Began
The 20-week sonogram was supposed to be a joyous occasion. Kristina and Matthew were excited to find out whether they would be having a boy or a girl. Thrilled to find out a lot of blue was in their future, they immediately named their unborn son Noah Drake. Then things took a serious turn when the sonographer said he noticed a problem with the baby’s heart. Because all four chambers of the heart weren’t visible, Kristina and Matthew were referred to a high-risk specialist who confirmed a diagnosis of Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS).
The Challenges of HLHS
HLHS is a birth defect that affects normal blood flow to the heart. As the baby develops during pregnancy, the left side of the heart does not form correctly and cannot pump oxygen-rich blood to the body properly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates approximately 960 babies in the United States are born with HLHS each year.
Treatment and Progress
To improve heart function, surgery for HLHS is done in 3 stages. Noah had his second-stage surgery in March. While there have been very difficult obstacles along the way, the Spanos feel like they are functioning more like a normal family these days. Noah started solid food and he is rolling over and becoming more independent.
Kristina and Matthew credit their faith to getting them through the past 8 months. Right now they are amazed at how far they have all come and happy to be enjoying their sweet little boy with a healing and mighty heart. For more details and updates about Noah, please visit his blog page, noahsmightyheart.com.
For more information about Mothers' Milk Bank of North Texas and how donor milk saves lives, please visit our website.