Mum defied docs to save twin
Amie nominated for inspirational mum award
A Cambuslang mum who was faced with a heartbreaking decision has told how she defied doctor’s orders to save her son.
Amie Macdonald, 29, was 15 weeks pregnant with twins Ellis and Blair when she was advised to terminate Ellis due to a condition known as selective intrauterine growth restriction.
But she refused and went on to give birth to both boys.
A Cambuslang mum has told how she refused medics’ guidance and went on to give birth to both her twin boys.
Amie Macdonald, 29, was 15 weeks pregnant with Ellis and Blair when she was advised to terminate one, Ellis, due to a condition known as selective intrauterine growth restriction.
Little Ellis was suffering from restrictive growth and it was thought that he would not survive the coming two weeks.
But Amie decided to “let nature take its course” after researching the condition on the internet. She said: “After a scan doctors said the ‘selective reduction’ of Ellis, who was essentially shrink wrapped in the womb, would give Blair a better chance of survival. I was told to come back in two days for another scan to make a decision.”
But rather than follow the advice, Amie looked to improve her protein and water intake to give her twin the best fighting chance.
She delivered them early at 29 weeks. Blair weighed 2lbs 8ozs and Ellis weighed 1lb 7ozs but Ellis has faced ongoing health challenges.
Amie added: “When Ellis was three days old he became really unwell due to a bowel rupture as his bowels were not well connected. He had to have surgery in hospital on the ward.”
Ellis was given a stoma and regularly attends hospital appointments for a number of health issues which Amie has learned to work with at home. She says Ellis is “a fighter” and adds that her older son, Lewis, eight, is quite the little helper.
Amie added: “Lewis has been a fantastic help. I honestly don’t think I would have been able to get by without him.”
Amie’s courage has now been recognised after she was nominated for the Costa inspiration mum gong at the Tommy Awards by her friend Samantha McBain, 29.
The award is designed to recognise “a mum who has gone through a difficult pregnancy journey and made it through to the other side.”
Amie said: “News of the nomination came from Samantha at a major low point when Ellis was hospitalised with suspected meningitis and other issues.
“I was wondering if I was doing the right thing and the nomination completely lifted my spirits.”
Samantha said Amie cried when she heard about the nomination.
She added: “The reason I nominated Amie is that there has not been one point - from when she found out about the problem with her pregnancy until now - that she has not been 100 per cent sure and determined that things would work out. She is an inspiration.”
The Tommy Awards, founded in 1995, recognise special family members, friends, and companies that make a difference to the lives of parents across the UK. Amie hopes to attend the award ceremony on March 16 at the Landmark Hotel in London where the winners will be announced.
“I am going to call on the grans for help,” she said.