Talia Oatway is opening up about the ‘toughest seven months’ of her life as her youngest child underwent surgery.
The 31-year-old, who was in a relationship with Geordie Shore star Aaron Chalmers, introduced her son Oakley to her 372,000 Instagram followers.
In August 2022, Aaron took to his Instagram Stories to tell fans that they had welcomed Oakley into the world but he would need surgery for the next 18-24 months.
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He said: “Unfortunately, there's been a few issues with the baby.
"We were in fetal medicine for most of the pregnancy, then we got cleared, unfortunately it wasn't cleared, and it wasn't picked up on the scans," he continued, "So, the little bubba is probably going to be in and out of surgery for the next 18 months to 24 months, so just me and Talia are coming to terms with everything."
Talia and Aaron split in December last year.
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Now she has revealed that Oakley was born with Apert Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder caused by mutation on a specific gene.
Apert syndrome affects the skull and face, as well as the hands and feet, and causes the bones in these areas to fuse prematurely, as per Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Talia shed light on Oakley’s journey and how ‘brave and determined’ her baby boy has been so far on Instagram.
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"This is OAKLEY." she said, "It has been the toughest 7 months of my entire life. I have been thrown into a medical world, with no forewarning, no time to prepare.
"Only now I feel like I’m coming to terms everything, finally coping with how I’m feeling, embracing our new normal.
"This is my beautiful son Oakley Bleu, he was born with a rare genetic syndrome called Apert Syndrome."
She continued: “Apert Syndrome causes the premature fusion of sutures in the skull, causing a different head shape. "Syndactyly - fusion of the bones in the hands & feet). Cleft of the hard palate causing difficulties with feed and speech.
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"Choanal stenosis (narrowing of the airway) causing breathing difficulties. Apert Syndrome often causes a global developmental and learning delay. (Oakley sleeps on a vent mask) and uses oxygen.
“Oakley has a long road ahead, this is a lifelong journey and it isn’t going to be easy. But my boy, you have shown me how strong you are! You are brave and determined and I love you more than you’ll ever know.
"I hope that by sharing our journey I can raise awareness and support other medical families," the proud mum posted along with a red heart emoji.
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Talia said she’s starting to feel happy again and praised Oakley’s big brothers and sister.
"I'm so proud of this boy, he has shown me nothing in this world matters but health and love,” she gushed. “It has taken me a long time to get where I am but finally I’m starting to feel happy again. Son, you have two amazing brothers and an amazing big sister behind you.
"We have absolutely everything we need. Let’s do this."
Gregory Robinson