Hey there, friends! I want to share something personal and important about my daughter, Ava. She has a noticeable birthmark on her face known as a capillary hemangioma, measuring around 5-by-6 centimeters. It’s usually the first thing people notice about her, and I can tell because it’s often the first comment I hear.
I try to remind myself that most people mean well. We’re all human and it’s natural to take a second glance at something that stands out. However, I feel it’s necessary to offer a little insight.
Understanding Capillary Hemangiomas
First off, a capillary hemangioma is simply a type of birthmark, sometimes called a “strawberry.” It’s an overgrowth of blood vessels that typically fades over time. In Ava’s case, we’ve ruled out any complications, and her hemangioma is considered cosmetic. We keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t block her vision, and she takes a daily medication to manage its growth during this phase. The good news is, it should disappear by the time she starts kindergarten!
Reflections on Comments
I’ve heard a range of comments from family, friends, and even strangers. Many people feel compelled to express their thoughts, and I’ve done quite a bit of reflecting on this as a parent. If you have a child who looks different, you might relate to my experience.
We don’t need to discuss her hemangioma every time we interact. Ava is Ava, and that birthmark is merely one aspect of who she is. It doesn’t require constant commentary or opinions. I’d much prefer to talk about her latest milestones, her infectious smile, or her beautiful eyes.
She isn’t suffering or unwell; she simply has a distinctive feature. The most common remarks I hear are along the lines of “I hope it goes away,” or “Bless her heart.” I’ve even encountered comments like “Turn her to her good side” or “She’s so pretty otherwise.”
A Call for Confidence and Self-Love
Instead of wishing it away, I encourage you to pray for her confidence and self-love, no matter how she looks. Pray that the comments and opinions from others fade before she’s old enough to notice them and question herself.
What if I approached you and loudly asked, “What’s wrong with your baby’s ____?” or said, “I’ll pray your child’s [insert unique feature] goes away”? Just think about how that might make you feel.
Let’s save the pity; Ava is a healthy, happy girl, and we feel incredibly blessed. Her birthmark is as trivial to her identity as a freckle on her arm. There’s no need to mention it or hope it disappears.
There’s no “good side” we select for family photos, and I don’t retouch her hemangioma in pictures. Ava is perfect just as she is, and her entire face reflects that.
Resources for Family Planning
If you’re interested in learning more about family planning and home insemination, check out this excellent resource. Also, for those looking into practical options, this site is a great authority on the topic, and for additional tips, don’t forget to explore this blog post.
Embracing Uniqueness
In summary, let’s embrace the uniqueness of children like Ava and focus on their wonderful qualities, rather than their differences.