A FORMER Ysgol Penweddig pupil is campaigning for better training for sonographers after her baby’s heart murmur wasn’t discovered until eight weeks after birth.

Carys White, originally from Trefenter, near Llangwyryfon, graduated from London South Bank University with a degree in diagnostic imaging in 2002, before going on to work as a radiographer at Guys and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Hospital in London, where she still works.

Following a healthy pregnancy, Carys gave birth to hers and husband Dan’s first child, Harriett, on 23 October, 2013.

“Everything seemed fine — she immediately fed for an hour and passed all her checks with flying colours,” Carys told the Cambrian News, of the moments after Harriett was born.

“Feeding became more of a problem when we were in the postnatal ward. She was entirely disinterested.

“The paediatric consultant checked her over very thoroughly but, aside from the feeding, she was presenting as entirely normal and we were discharged after a couple of days.

“By two weeks old, Harriett had stopped gaining weight and continued to vomit after feeding. We tried every trick in the book to try and get her to feed and keep it down.

“Days turned into weeks and by the time Harriett was due to have her eight week check and immunisations, I was very concerned.”

A few days before Christmas, Harriett was diagnosed with multiple ventricular septal defects, an atrial septal defect and patent ductus arteriosis.

“It was scary but I knew that it wasn’t bad as it could have been, as her conditions have relatively good outcomes,” added Carys.

“We were discharged in time for Christmas, which in itself was hugely reassuring.”

Surgeons spent five hours operating on Harriett and managed to close five of the holes in her heart, but had to leave four of the smaller ones which they hope will close on their own as she grows.

Now aged two-and-a-half, Carys said Harriett is “excelling at life” and continues to recover well.

Carys said she will now campaign and raise money for Tiny Tickers, a charity which works with and provides training to sonographers so they are more likely to detect heart defects before birth.

“We have been through a hugely dramatic two-and-a-half years since Harriett was born,” Carys added. “Her condition wasn’t diagnosed during pregnancy and there is no question in my head that antenatal detection offers the best chance for the baby and family.

“The pressure on sonographers to identify heart and other anomalies is so great. Tiny Tickers offers support and training to Sonographers, helping to increase their knowledge, understanding and confidence.”

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