By ALESHA CAPONE
EVERY time baby Tobiah wriggles his toes, his Taylors Hill parents Adam and Tracey Humphries are thrilled.
Before tiny Tobiah was born on 29 January this year, doctors had warned Mr and Ms Humphries their son might never be able to walk, after he was diagnosed with Spina Bifida while still in the womb.
Spina Bifida involves the incomplete formation of an infant’s spine and spinal cord – often leaving a gap in their back – before they are born. It can also cause fluid to build up in an unborn baby’s brain.
According to the Spina Bifida Foundation Victoria, every year 30 to 35 babies are diagnosed with the condition, which can cause paralysis.
The day after he was born via a Caesarean section, Toby spent five hours in surgery at the Royal Children’s Hospital.
“He had surgery to fix the hole in his back and a shunt put into his brain to help drain the fluid into his stomach, where it will be absorbed,” Mr Humphries said.
“The exciting thing was when he was born and after a few hours he wiggled his toes, because we were expecting the worst-case scenario.
“The specialists at the Royal Children’s Hospital think he will be unable to walk unaided, which is a miracle, but when he goes out with his mates or to school he may have to wear a brace on his legs.”
After spending time at the RCH, Tobiah – also known as Toby – was transferred to the Sunshine Hospital and from there went home to his proud siblings Noah, aged three, and five-year-old Charlotte.
The family recently moved from Mill Park to Taylors Hill, after Mr Humphries was appointed the new minister of the Brimbank Presbyterian Church.
Mr Humphries said parishioners from the church, which meets at the Sydenham Community Hub in Watergardens, have “been very supportive” since Toby was born.
“At the moment it’s like having a normal baby who eats and sleeps, the only difference is all the medical appointments we have,” Mrs Humphries said.
She said big sister Charlotte has offered to become “Toby’s walking teacher” as he grows up.
