By the fall of 2020, Taylor and James, two business owners in Atlanta, were expecting a baby girl, Rose, when unexpected news arrived. Taylor’s doctors initially suspected placenta previa and possibly spina bifida in the baby. A second opinion at Children’s Mercy in Kansas City confirmed Rose had spina bifida and fluid buildup in her brain (hydrocephalus). Rose’s spina bifida story quickly became one of resilience, hope, and extraordinary care, as her parents navigated high-risk pregnancy, in-utero surgery, and a journey that would forever shape their family’s life.
A Team of Experts
With results in hand, the Elizabeth J. Ferrell Fetal Health Center at Children’s Mercy assembled a multidisciplinary team to guide Taylor through her options. Surgeons, nurses, social services, mental health providers, and billing staff all worked together to ensure Taylor felt supported throughout this high-risk pregnancy. While James commuted from Atlanta, Taylor leaned on her mother and the CM team. She visited CM twice weekly to monitor Rose’s growth, heartbeat, and fluid levels, preparing for the possibility of a VP shunt if needed. Before the in-utero surgery, Taylor met with a CM chaplain for reassurance. Nurses provided careful, compassionate support throughout the procedure and during recovery, helping her navigate her first-ever surgery. The in-utero surgery was successful, giving Rose the best chance for mobility and health.
A Christmas Eve Miracle
Rose was born on Dec. 24 via C-section “gift-wrapped” in her amniotic sac. Now four, Rose walks independently, loves backflips and drawing, and shows compassion toward others. Taylor emphasizes teaching her to embrace her differences and works to educate her community about spina bifida. Inspired by their journey, Taylor and James created the Better Outcomes Foundation, offering resources and support to at-risk expecting parents and their care partners. Taylor encourages families to find a knowledgeable, compassionate team, crediting CM for Rose’s thriving outcome.
