York's Story: From Loss to Another Congenital Heart Disease Diagnosis PART 1 - Maddison Hutchinson Returns

In this powerful and emotionally charged episode, join us as we welcome back returning guest Maddison Hutchinson. Maddison bravely shares her remarkable journey of resilience and hope after the loss of her daughter Sutton to hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Experience the rollercoaster of emotions she endured, from the depths of despair to the joy of a new pregnancy.

After the devastating loss of her daughter and a subsequent miscarriage, Maddison found herself living in fear during her subsequent pregnancy with York. Every step felt precarious, and she meticulously watched every aspect of her life, from medications to food choices. Friends expressed concern that she might be battling depression.

At the 20-week scan, Maddison's anxiety peaked as memories of Sutton's diagnosis flooded back. The same doctor who delivered the heartbreaking news appeared during the scan, but this time there was an underlying uncertainty. The diagnosis revealed a severe case of aortic stenosis, raising worries about the future of her unborn child.

Amidst the challenges, Maddison and her partner faced difficult decisions armed with options, knowing that the condition could potentially worsen during the pregnancy. The episode delves into Maddison's experiences, including an amniocentesis and unforeseen complications when her waters broke at 26 weeks. Being in a different country complicated matters, leading to a 10-day hospital admission and having to fly home and go straight to the hospital.

Throughout the pregnancy, Maddison battled physical and emotional challenges, fuelled by her love for her unborn son. At 35 weeks and 5 days, her waters broke again, signalling the impending arrival of baby York. In a whirlwind of medical urgency, Maddison underwent an emergency c-section, allowing for a different birth experience while preserving Sutton's story.

Stick around next week to hear Part Two of Maddison's Journey.