Birthmark Blessings

Three years ago, we welcomed our youngest blessing into the family. Everything went smoothly with our daughter’s birth. Shortly afterwards, however, we discovered a birthmark on her back, known as a “Port Wine Stain“. Port wine stains are capillary malformations, which are a type of vascular birthmark.

I scoured the internet to learn more about this condition, which I had never heard of before. Of course, when you Google anything, a myriad of images and scenarios pop up, and it’s hard not to jump to conclusions. Everything from MRIs to X-rays to ultrasounds, and even laser treatments, were on the table of possibilities, along with various syndromes. I quickly joined a Facebook support group and learned a great deal from the Vascular Birthmark Foundation.

Fast forward a few months, and we finally got in to see a specialist at Texas Children’s Hospital. We learned that the location of our daughter’s birthmark did not pose a medical risk and they did not recommend any treatment for her at the time. 

Due to its location, we only occasionally catch a glimpse of our daughter’s birthmark. However, as it is a special part of who she is, we wanted a way to celebrate and memorialize it.  We want to thank Emily Joy Photography for capturing these beautiful images for us!

One question I often get is, “Won’t the birthmark fade over time?” I learned that Port Wine Stain birthmarks do not fade, but tend to grow proportionately with the child, often changing in texture and appearance.  They can also fluctuate in color with the child’s temperature due to their vascular nature. In many cases, a specialist will use laser treatment to lighten the birthmark, but it may not eliminate it.  The earlier the treatment begins (as in the first few weeks/months of life), the more successful it can be.  In some cases, the treatment can help prevent future complications, especially when the birthmark occurs on the face or eyelids.

Whenever we see our daughter’s birthmark, we are reminded of God’s faithfulness. We see something that makes her special and unique. We have discovered a whole new community of people with vascular birthmarks and feel bonded in ways we never anticipated.  Each time a new mom posts in the Facebook group, I am reminded of the fear and anxiety that came with the initial discovery of our daughter’s birthmark, and my heart goes out to those parents.  When we see someone with a more visible birthmark, we often feel connected without saying a word. I am so grateful to have such a supportive community for those with vascular birthmarks!

For more information on Port Wine Stains, we found this short video to be helpful and informative!