“3 days after Liam stopped kicking, I was rushed to Kijabe Hospital as an emergency case. My baby had to be delivered two weeks early via C-section. I was terrified and anxious, but the medical team stood by my side every step of the way,” recalls Loise, Liam’s mother.
Loise, who has served as a caregiver in our Medical and Surgical Department for eight years, never imagined she would one day be on the other side—as a patient in need of care.
“When I finally held my little boy for the first time, I was shocked. The scans had not revealed that he would be born with a cleft lip,” she remembers.
A cleft lip is a birth condition where a baby’s upper lip does not fully develop during pregnancy, leaving a split or opening. Fortunately, it is a condition that can be corrected through surgery.
Working at the hospital, Loise had seen children with similar conditions but never fully grasped the emotional weight until she experienced it firsthand. “I never thought this would happen to me, which is why I was so shocked,” she admits.
Despite the initial shock, she quickly shifted her focus to finding a solution. “I made peace with the situation. I was ready to fight for my son’s future with the support of the medical team. After assessments, I consented to reconstructive surgery.”
However, the surgery could not happen immediately. “The doctors explained that Liam had not yet gained enough weight for the procedure. He was only 3.4 Kgs, and he needed to reach at least 10 Kgs” she shares
For three months, Loise dedicated herself to ensuring her son gained the necessary weight, diligently following every recommendation from our Nutrition team. Finally, in late 2021, Liam underwent cleft lip reconstruction surgery—a day procedure that allowed them to return home the same day. From that moment on, Loise remained steadfast, attending every follow-up appointment and meticulously adhering to post-operative care guidelines. Over time, Liam’s once-prominent cleft became nothing more than a faint scar.
“This is not a condition to be ashamed of. If you are pregnant, visit the clinic as advised by your doctor. If your child is born with a cleft lip, it is not the end of their story—surgery can change their life, and of course, I recommend Kijabe Hospital!” Loise says with a warm chuckle.
Today, Liam is 3 years old! He is active, full of joy, and excited to start school this year.
“I hope that by sharing my story, more parents will seek help early and give their children the confidence to live with joy, especially in the early formative years in school.”
Do you have a #KijabeBaby story? We’d love to hear from you! Share your journey with us at [email protected]
#110YearsLegacy #CompassionateHealthcare
