Sisters’ bond helps bub face challenges
A “VERY cheeky” Tasmanian baby born with Down syndrome and holes in her heart has had her back against the wall since day one, but a powerful bond with her older sister is ensuring she won’t give up the fight.
George Town’s Sheena Adams found out when she was 13 weeks pregnant her baby had Down syndrome but had no hesitation going through with the pregnancy.
The 33-year-old gave birth to Indie-Jayne Robins at Launceston General Hospital on December 20.
“When I saw the doctors holding Indie-Jayne and I heard her magnificent lungs working, I collapsed with relief. She was okay. She was here,” Miss Adams said.
“They took her over to do their normal routine checks. I was made aware that my beautiful daughter may get swooped out of there quickly because of oxygen levels and her heart.
“But surprise, surprise. My little rock star was able to be laid on me for cuddles straight away. I was so overwhelmed. She was so beautiful. Perfect.”
Indie-Jayne remained in hospital for three days for tests before the family was able to return home. But in a test soon after, it was discovered Indie-Jayne had two holes in her heart, one of which required regular scans.
Miss Adams had worked in the disability industry for more than a decade, but said nothing prepared her for “being on the other side”.
“I received all these letters in the mail of all the appointments. Speech therapy, physiotherapy, hearing, heart and so on. It was very overwhelming,” she said.
“One of the holes has some tissue growing, but not on the other one. She’s been very, very sick. It’s a whole new experience, it’s very scary and overwhelming.
“It’s hard juggling two children under two, while working and trying to find suitable care.”
Miss Adams said the shining light throughout the ordeal had been Indie-Jayne’s attitude and relationship with her older sister, Miah-Jade, 2.
“She’s beautiful, so very cheeky and happy. She’s got that happy-go-lucky nature Down syndrome children have. She’s already shining so brightly.
“I love watching MiahJade with her, their little bond just keeps getting better.
“She’s like another little mum, she just adores her.
“I wake up some mornings and Miah-Jade is already up playing with her.”
Indie-Jayne travels regularly to the LGH for heart scans to assess whether she will need to go to Melbourne for surgery after her first birthday.
Miss Adams said in the meantime she was concentrating on “being the best mum I can be to these girls”.
“It’s a feeling I’ve never felt, but I know she will be okay. Some days are hard, some days my heart aches for her, her possible future. Will she be healthy, happy, accepted?
“I may struggle sometimes, but I will do all in my power to make it so hopefully she is all of those things and more.”
Miss Adams was grateful to her friend, Kimba, for beginning a GoFundMe page to help her little family out during this time.