Taisha
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Taisha Sanyaolu
Author, Certified Transformational Speaker, Life Coach and Early Childhood Preschool Teacher
I am a dedicated Certified Transformational Speaker, and Life Coach with a passion for guiding those through the pain of grief, especially individuals affected by Spina Bifida. Whether helping parents who, like myself, experience the loss of a child to Spina Bifida, supporting caregivers, or offering comfort to those devasted by the loss of a loved one, I am committed to bringing healing and hope. In addition, to my coaching and speaking, I holds an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education and has over 15 years of experience in childcare, nurturing and education young children.
Spina Bifida
Spina Bifida is a birth defect that occurs when the spinal cord or its coverings don't fully develop during pregnancy. Its a neural tube defect that affects the spine and is typically visible at birth. The neural tube is an early structure in the developing baby that eventually forms the brain and spinal cord. If this tube doesn't close completely, the bones of the spina may not form properly, leaving a gap. This can damage the spinal cord and nerves, leading to various physical and intellectual disabilities ranging from mild to severe.
Causes and Prevention:
While the exact causes of spina bifida are not fully understood, certain measures can help reduce the risk. One of the most effective ways to lower the chance of spina bifida is for women to take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily before and during early pregnancy. Folic acid is essential during the first few weeks of pregnancy; it has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of neural tube defects like spina bifida.
Treatment:
Not everyone born with Spina Bifida has the same needs, so treatments vary based on the type and severity. Those with more severe forms, like myelomeningocele and meningocele, will require more extensive treatment, which may include surgery, physical therapy, and ongoing medical care. In contrast, those with spina bifida occulta may need little to no treatment.
Spina Bifida Awareness:
The color yellow represents Spina bifida Awareness helping to shine a light on this condition and encourage support for affected individuals and their families.
3 Common Types of Spina Bifida:
Myelomeningocele: this is most serious form of spina bifida. A sac of fluid protrudes through an opening in the baby's back, containing the spinal cord and nerves, which are often damage. This can lead to moderate to severe disabilities, such as a difficulties with bladder and bowel control, loss of feeling in the legs or feet, and paralysis in the legs.
Meningocele: sac of fluid pushes through an opening in the baby's back, but the spinal cord is not inside the sac. While the condition can cause minor disabilities. It is typically less severe than myelomeningocele.
Spina Bifida Occulta: mildest and often hidden form of spina bifida. There is a small gap in the spine, but no opening or sac is visible on the back. The spinal cord and nerves usually remain intact, and the condition may not be discovered until later in childhood or even adulthood. Typically, spina bifida occulta does not cause any disabilities.
Spina Bifida Awareness Quote:
The Story...The Journey!
Taisha Sanyaolu experience with Spina Bifida during my first pregnancy is something I never imagined I would go through. Our daughter was diagnosed with myelomeningocele, the most severe form of spina bifida. This was devastating news, especially after the initial joy of learning we were expecting our first child in November 2011. The diagnosis came in early March 2012, when I was nearly five months pregnant." On April 5, 2012 , we held a solemn celebration of life for our little angel.
Looking back, I'm amazed at how far I've come. On April 5, 2024, marked twelve years since our daughter' s passing. I'm grateful to share my story in a book, offering hope to families facing similar circumstances.
God has multiplied His blessings in my life, and I believe my story can offer hope, and comfort, and strength to others on a similar journey.
