Mother's Pride in Her 'Little Fighter' Born with One Arm and No Legs Shines Through

Rosie Higgs, a 29-year-old woman from Harrow, London, received concerning news during her routine 20-week scan that her unborn son might have a condition called amniotic band syndrome, which could affect the proper growth of his limbs. However, her son Henry Higgs, who is now 11 months old, was delivered via C-section weighing a healthy 8 lbs 2 oz.

Henry was born with just one arm, featuring a webbed hand, but he is surpassing developmental milestones as expected. He can lift objects, lift his head, and roll over.

"When I was informed that my baby would only have one arm and no legs, I was extremely worried and upset," reveals Rosie, who works as a special-needs school care assistant. "It was a scary experience being pregnant," she added.

Gearing up for her scans amidst the COVID-19 restrictions, Amy faced additional challenges as her mother, Paula, aged 55, and her partner, Peter, aged 39, were unable to accompany her. The absence of their presence made her pregnancy even more daunting.

"I had scans scheduled every four weeks, as the medical team closely monitored every aspect, and each scan seemed to reveal something new," Amy recounted. "While I was occupied with work, I managed to keep my worries at bay. However, when I had to take a break from work, I found myself overthinking things. I was constantly concerned about potential complications. But my baby is incredibly joyful and his disability doesn't hinder him in any way. Despite not having all his limbs, he is absolutely perfect in my eyes," Higgs explained.

Henry was born on May 13th at Northwick Park Hospital in Harrow, London.

"It was heartbreaking not to have my mum with me during the birth, especially as I knew Henry was high-risk. Thankfully, the midwives were absolutely incredible. I was constantly stressed throughout my pregnancy, and when Henry was born, the midwives offered to show him to me immediately because I was nervous. Scans can only provide so much information. It was filled with anticipation and worry, and when he first came out, I didn't know what to expect." Higgs continues.

Higgs recounts that immediately after Henry's birth, the midwives took him aside, and his father went over to see him first. Peter Higgs then picked up Henry and brought him over, gently placing him in his mother's arms.

"As I received my little boy, I fell in love," she expresses.

Once Henry returned home to meet the rest of his family - his 13-year-old sister Alice and his seven-year-old brother Michael - his older siblings embraced his differences, according to Higgs.

"When Henry's brother first saw him, he made a face, but it wasn't because of his limbs; it was because of his umbilical cord. However, they both love him and accept him for who he is," she explains.

Grandmother Paula also enjoys spending time with her grandson and tailors clothes to accommodate his limbs.

"Clothing can be quite challenging; you have to roll everything up, or it looks ridiculous. Mom enjoys crocheting and knitting, so she makes him little outfits. She absolutely adores him. Everyone simply accepts him for who he is," says Higgs.

At 11 months old, Henry is achieving all his developmental milestones, much to the delight of his family.

"It's really surprising that he can pick things up without any problems. He's progressing exceptionally well," Higgs shares.

An operation performed at Great Ormond Street Hospital to separate Henry's webbed hand has also had a positive impact on his development.

"Now he can pick things up and feed himself. It has made a significant difference in terms of his mobility. We are also discussing with Stanmore Orthopedics the possibility of getting orthopedic devices for Henry in the future, which will greatly enhance his abilities," Higgs explains.

Since Henry's birth, Higgs has received invaluable support from Reach, a charity that assists children with upper limb differences.

"Thanks to the charity, I've connected with numerous parents facing similar situations. They have been amazing and have truly helped me get through this. I understand that Henry will always be a little different, but we take each day as it comes, and I am confident that he will be able to handle any challenges that come his way," she expresses.

With her son making such remarkable progress, Higgs believes that his future holds great promise and optimism.