I never really had the easiest pregnancy with my daughter. I was seeing a normal OBGYN and a Maternal Fetal Medicine Doctor. We actually had two anatomy scans done and the first one (with the OBGYN) was unremarkable. We were so excited to be welcoming a baby girl to complete our family. But at the second anatomy scan (by the MFM Doctor) we found out that our daughter would be born with bilateral Clubfoot. I had never even heard the term before. I was so confused and felt defeated. I had so many questions, and even some self-blame. What could I have done differently?
After leaving and having a good cry session, I started researching. I was still a little nervous thinking about what my child would have to endure, but at least I knew it was treatable. Hazel was born and at one month old, she went to a pediatric orthopedic doctor for what was supposed to be weekly cast changes. Hazel had some difficulties with casts slipping and we ended up going more than once a week. She had sores behind her knees and under her toes. We had to take several breaks and start all over. What was supposed to be a 6-8 week experience turned into a 5-month experience.
Once her feet were in the correct position, it was time for the tenotomy. We got to stay in the room with her. They applied some numbing cream to the back of her ankles and some local anesthesia then used a scalpel to slice her Achilles tendon. I can still hear the sound to this day – like a rubber band snapping. She then got her final cast, which she had to wear for 3 weeks. After that, it was time to start boots & bar (bnb). Due to issues with casts slipping, she didn’t qualify for the Iowa boots right away. We tried a different brand of boots and Hazel was completely inconsolable. She hated them and kept getting pressure sores on the back of her ankles and red marks on the top of her foot. We ended up having to take a break to let the sores heal, and a few weeks later we tried again. This time went much smoother, but Hazel was still getting some small sores and red marks.
After about 5 months of trying these boots, her orthopedic doctor finally said she could try the Iowa boots. They were life changing. No more pressure sores or red marks, our little girl was much happier, and today she still wears them to bed.
Looking at her, you’d never know she was born with bilateral clubfoot. Her little feet are perfect. Hazel is running and jumping like normal 3 year-olds. She is excelling in dance class. She does both ballet and tap. She will be starting soccer this spring. We couldn’t be more thankful for what the Iowa boots and Clubfoot Solutions have done for us. We’re so grateful for all the people we’ve met in the clubfoot community and friendships we’ve built as well.
– Courtney