My husband and I came to the Perinatal Center of Iowa (PCI) after being referred from our regular doctor in Ames. Our routine ultrasound identified a potential problem with our unborn child’s brain development at 20 weeks along in the pregnancy. The very next day, we were seen at PCI for a more in-depth ultrasound to see if there was, in fact, a problem.

Unfortunately, there was. Our daughter, Chloe Marie, was diagnosed with a brain condition called holoprosencephaly, which occurs when a small piece of chromosome 2 is missing (which we subsequently found out through the test results from an amniocentesis at PCI). Chloe’s diagnosis was 100-percent fatal, meaning she would not live long after birth, if she in fact made it to birth. Considering this news, we were given the options of continuing the pregnancy to term or inducing labor at that time. We chose to continue the pregnancy and were connected with Mercy’s Perinatal Hospice.

Mercy’s Perinatal Hospice was such a blessing to us as we awaited the birth of our sweet baby. They helped us prepare, both medically and emotionally. When it was time for the birth, which occurred prematurely at 32 weeks, I felt as prepared as I could, given the circumstances. We were able to capture the most precious moments of our daughter’s brief life with professional photography and the many mementos that were created for us—tangible keepsakes are so special to us, as we remember Chloe.

I wish for no one to have to endure prenatal diagnosis or the loss of their child, but am so thankful for the caring doctors, nurses and medical staff at the PCI and Mercy’s Perinatal Hospice. We are able to look back on our time with Chloe without regret and with some very special memories about how her birth, and death, were handled, thanks to the way we were supported during and after that bittersweet time in our lives.

In 2008, my husband and I were able to welcome Aiyana, a beautiful, healthy baby girl, into the world under the care of PCI physicians and staff.

Teske D.