When Piper was born via planned caesarean section, the first 24 hours seemed perfect. She was healthy, alert, and we were sent home with the sense of joy and relief every new parent feels. For those first few weeks, life felt magical — until the subtle signs began to appear.

As the days went by, I noticed Piper struggling when she fed. Her breathing seemed laboured, her head bobbed with effort, and she had a tracheal pull. She would retract between her ribs and fail to gain weight, leaving me anxious and questioning whether I was doing something wrong. As a breastfeeding mum, I blamed myself, feeling that somehow I was failing her.

At her six-week check, I raised my concerns. The response was swift — Piper was sent to hospital for a series of tests: x-rays, viral swabs, and other investigations. Something about her symptoms concerned the nurse, and in a decisive move, she contacted cardiology for an echocardiogram. It was a turning point that would ultimately save Piper’s life.

When the cardiologist arrived, his words froze me: “Piper has three holes in her heart — one will require surgery.” Suddenly, the world felt surreal. Terms like ventricular septal defect (VSD), atrial septal defect (ASD), and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) were thrown at us, and my mind spun. How could this have been missed? How had our seemingly healthy newborn been carrying such serious heart defects?

In the weeks following her diagnosis, Piper’s symptoms worsened. She had several brief hospital visits due to drops in oxygen levels, yet her condition would stabilize each time. It was hard to explain what we were seeing, and we often felt dismissed — until one day, she turned blue. Her oxygen had plummeted, and I called an ambulance, terrified for her life. That day, she was admitted to hospital and under careful monitoring.

Her surgery was brought forward due to the severity of her symptoms. The nights leading up to the operation were some of the most stressful of our lives. Piper had repeated episodes where her oxygen dropped dangerously, and I would sit at her bedside, terrified and exhausted. The nurses were incredible, guiding us and reassuring us constantly. Their vigilance and support were crucial in preparing Piper for the surgery that would save her life.

The day of Piper’s surgery arrived, a day of intense fear and anticipation. Handing my baby over to the surgical team was heart-wrenching. I had tried to prepare myself by looking at photos and videos of other babies post-surgery, but nothing could have readied me for the emotions of seeing her go under anesthesia. The procedure lasted around five hours. When the surgeon came to speak to us, relief washed over me — all three defects had been successfully repaired in one operation.

Recovery was challenging. Piper spent seven days in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Her heart rhythm was unstable at times, and digestive complications required close attention. She would wake from sedation in panic, and her distress would trigger irregular heartbeats. Each day was a delicate balance of medical management and emotional endurance. We spoke to her continuously, hoping she would recognize our voices. The bonding squares provided by Tiny Tickers were placed beside her, a tangible reminder of love and support during a frightening and isolating time.

Eventually, Piper was moved to the ward, where she regained a sense of independence and normalcy. The nurses continued to provide support, guidance, and reassurance. Slowly, wires and monitors were removed, until our little girl was fully unplugged. Her color, once pale and fragile-looking, became a vibrant pink. She could be held, cuddled, and loved without the looming presence of medical machinery.

Today, Piper is thriving. Her heart, once fragile and failing, is now repaired, and she is a bright, happy baby. The contrast between those early six weeks of uncertainty and the life she now leads is stark. The early detection, decisive hospital intervention, and expert care have given her the chance at a long, healthy life.

If Piper’s condition had not been identified when it was, the outcome could have been fatal. Early checks, pulse oximetry, and thorough follow-ups are vital to catching these silent yet dangerous conditions. Tiny Tickers’ work in raising awareness and supporting families is invaluable. Every baby deserves the chance to have their heart monitored and treated appropriately — and Piper’s story highlights exactly why.

Six weeks was all it took to discover her condition, and it was enough time to save her life. Her journey is a testament to parental intuition, the importance of persistence, and the extraordinary care provided by medical professionals.

Piper is now healthy, vibrant, and full of life — a little warrior who has overcome incredible odds. Her story reminds us all of the fragility and resilience of tiny hearts, the power of early detection, and the life-changing impact of expertise, vigilance, and love.