Stacey Herald

Country:

USA

Content:

Stacy Herald: The World's Smallest Mother
A Family of Three
Marriage and Support
Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Challenges and Adaptations
Medical Doubts and Triumphs
Malachi: A Miracle Child
Third Child, New Adjustments
A Loving Family
Unwavering Support
Busy Times, Precious Moments
Love Multiplies

Stacy Herald: The World's Smallest Mother

Stacy Herald, an American woman living with osteogenesis imperfecta, has defied medical warnings by giving birth to three children. The world's smallest mother, standing at just 28 inches tall, has welcomed daughters Kateri and Makaya, and a youngest son, Malachi.

A Family of Three

Despite her height, Stacy has bravely chosen to embark on motherhood not once, but three times. Her third child, Malachi, was born in 2008 via an emergency cesarean section eight weeks premature. Weighing only 2.6 pounds at birth, doctors had warned that Stacy's pregnancy could put severe strain on her lungs and heart. Remarkably, she defied these predictions.

Marriage and Support

Stacy resides in Kentucky with her husband, Will, a practicing chaplain standing at 5'9". After Malachi's birth, the couple vowed to continue expanding their family. "We have three kids now, and it's just not enough," Stacy proclaimed. "I see more in our future."

Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Stacy suffers from a rare genetic disorder called osteogenesis imperfecta. This disease, also known as "brittle bone disease," results from defective genes affecting the body's collagen production. It often manifests as frequent bone fractures, ranging from mild cases to severe forms with hundreds of unexplained breaks.

Challenges and Adaptations

In Stacy's case, the disease has not only affected her bone health but also under-developed her lungs. She relies on a wheelchair for mobility, and during her third pregnancy, her expanding belly made it impossible for her to pick up her daughters. Will assumed all household duties while Stacy remained bedridden.

Medical Doubts and Triumphs

Stacy steadfastly believes in following her instincts, despite medical warnings. "We listen to the doctors and respect them," she said. "But they're not always right, so we do what we think is best."

Malachi: A Miracle Child

Malachi and his eldest sister, Kateri, both have osteogenesis imperfecta. However, their middle child, Makaya, does not share the condition. Malachi's birth required a rare vertical cesarean section, and he spent the first six months of his life in the hospital due to respiratory struggles.

Third Child, New Adjustments

"Malachi was born with no broken bones," Stacy recounted. "Babies with my condition are often born with broken arms and legs because their bones are so fragile during childbirth."

A Loving Family

As Stacy and her family adjusted to caring for three children, they installed special adaptations in their home to accommodate Stacy's wheelchair. "I tell my kids that they're all special," Stacy said. "I tell my girls to be gentle with Malachi until he gets bigger."

"It was hard at first to learn that my son had my condition," she added. "But we also knew that we could give him the best care because Kateri and I have already been through it."

Unwavering Support

Will handled nighttime feedings and diaper changes, while Stacy breastfed Malachi throughout the day. She also started changing diapers on a platform built in their home that allowed her to remain in her wheelchair and still tend to her children.

Busy Times, Precious Moments

"We're on the go all the time now," Stacy admitted. "We definitely don't get enough sleep."

"Three kids are a handful for anyone, even without my height," she noted, adding that she can no longer physically manage Makaya, who has outgrown her mother. "I can't reel her in when she gets out of hand," Stacy said. "She's too big for me, so Will has to step in."

Love Multiplies

Malachi's arrival has brought Stacy and Will even closer together. "I didn't think it was possible to love Will anymore than I already did," the world's smallest mother said. "But every day since we had our son, I fall a little bit more in love with Will."

Record holders (unusual records)

Gil Azevedo	Verdun Hayes	Joy Trussler
Salustiano (Shorty) Sanchez-Blazquez	Fu Suqing	Carson Huey-You