Eliza Bahneman and her husband’s lives took a profound turn on October 25, 2018, when their daughter Bella made her early entrance into the world. Her unexpected arrival brought a flood of emotions—joy, anxiety, and an overwhelming amount of love. Bella’s birth was a reminder of life’s unpredictability and the strength of family bonds.
Throughout her pregnancy, Eliza found comfort in the shared experiences of her sister, sister-in-law, and close friends who were also expecting. Having this circle of support made the journey feel less isolating, as they shared the highs and lows of their pregnancies. As her due date neared, Eliza and her husband eagerly prepared for Bella’s arrival, creating a warm space for her and imagining the joy of seeing her inherit traits from both parents.
Despite having heard stories about the challenges of nursing, Eliza looked forward to the chance to bond with her baby. Her pregnancy had been smooth, and regular check-ups reassured the couple that all was well. But the evening of October 24th brought a shift. Eliza sent her husband a message, feeling a sudden certainty that Bella would arrive sooner than expected. That intuition proved correct when, at 1:15 a.m. the next morning, her water broke, sending them rushing to the hospital.
Labor wasn’t without its complications. Bella’s fluctuating pulse caused concern, and Eliza had to remain in a specific position to keep her baby safe. The combination of the epidural and Pitocin left her feeling drained and sick, heightening her sense of confusion and worry as the labor progressed.
After 12 long hours, Bella was born, arriving a month early and weighing just five and a half pounds. Eliza noticed a small fold in Bella’s ear but didn’t dwell on it, knowing newborns often look a bit peculiar. She had no idea this was the start of a journey far more complex than she had anticipated.
In those first moments after Bella’s birth, Eliza sensed something was wrong. The usual celebrations and congratulations were absent. Her husband looked fearful, her mother avoided her gaze, and the room soon filled with medical professionals. As confusion turned to heartbreak, Eliza realized that Bella’s arrival had brought them into an uncertain new reality.
Bella was quickly taken to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), leaving Eliza feeling empty and overwhelmed. Despite the whirlwind of emotions, her maternal instincts kicked in. Holding Bella for the first time, Eliza felt an unshakable resolve to protect her daughter, no matter what challenges lay ahead.
The NICU stay brought its own challenges, but it also provided Eliza and her husband with the training they needed to care for Bella. With support from their parents and the comforting presence of a close friend who worked at the hospital, they began to adapt to their new role as not only parents but also caregivers. The eight weeks in the NICU were long and exhausting, but when Bella was finally discharged, it marked the beginning of a new chapter.
Bella was soon diagnosed with Treacher Collins syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects facial bone development. While this diagnosis brought new hurdles, Eliza and her husband approached them with strength and determination. With the help of a strong support system, Bella continues to receive the medical care and therapy she needs for her development.
Though their journey is different from what they envisioned, Eliza wouldn’t change it for anything. The experience has shaped her into a stronger person, teaching her the value of love, resilience, and appreciating every precious moment.
Thank you for sharing your inspiring story. Bella is a beautiful and special child, and you and your husband are remarkable. Your strength and love are a testament to the power of family in the face of adversity, and you have a community rooting for you every step of the way.
