An Australian mother who faced backlash from trolls after removing a port-wine birthmark from her baby’s face claims she did it for the child’s health
When the 33 years old Brooke Atkins gave birth to her second child, a boy named Kingsley, she discovered that a birthmark covered half of his face.
However, if they are above the eye, as Kingsley’s port-wine stain birthmark is, they can be connected to glaucoma and Sturge-Weber disease.
While glaucoma can result in blindness, the disorders can result in convulsions and other impairments. The parents chose to begin laser therapy at the end of May after learning that the infant had both conditions.
“When he was first born, we were referred to the Queensland Children’s Hospital dermatology and vascular department, where they organize the first treatment and explain in further detail why laser would be important,” Atkins explained to NeedToKnow.online.
“The purpose of the laser treatments are not to ‘remove’ the birthmark but instead keep the skin healthy, to prevent any further damage to the area.”
TikTok critics have called the mother of two a “monster” for giving her infant boy laser surgery, despite the fact that the procedure was in his best interests.
“Don’t think I could laser my baby,” one user wrote.
“Brainwashed mother making her kid insecure the second he gets out the womb,” said another.
“Why is everyone supporting this,” another commented.
The mother, who also has a 2-year-old daughter named Amarni with her partner Kewene Wallace, acknowledges that the unfavorable remarks caused her to question her decision.
“Honestly, when I first started reading the negative comments, I sat there for a good half an hour and cried to myself,” she said.
“I had a whole heap of mum guilt, and it made me question my decision. Even though I knew I was doing the right thing, the cruel words still played in my head.
With more than 32,700 people following little Kingsley’s journey on social media, supporters have left plenty of positive comments on the mom’s videos.
“You’re the mom and you know what is best for him,” one user assured her.
“I would have done the same thing and wished I had a strong mum like you to help educate,” agreed another.
“I never realized it could affect health!? Thank you for the video he is adorable!” another user wrote.
The Mayo Clinic claims that Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome or Sturge-Weber syndrome can occasionally cause port-wine stains, necessitating routine medical monitoring.
Kingsley is doing well so far and reacting well to the treatments, according to Atkins, who has booked the next laser visit for August.
“Over 20 hospital appointments, two different hospitals, over 10 different specialists and doctors, five different medical departments, three MRIs, one ultrasound, two hearing tests, two operations, two laser treatments, and three diagnoses, all in six months – yet he is the happiest, most loving and sweetest boy you will ever meet!” she gushes.
Source: dailymail.co.uk
