In January, Bringing Up Bates star Carlin Bates and her husband Evan Stewart welcomed their first child into the world. The new mom gave birth to a baby girl, who they choose to name Layla Rae.
“Evan and I spent a lot of time wondering what it would be like the first time we met our sweet baby girl face-to-face but the truth is, all that dreaming and we still didn’t even come close to what the actual moment felt like,” Carlin wrote on Instagram after her daughter made her way into the world.
“Layla Rae has captured our hearts and we are FOREVER changed. In an instant, my heart was more full than I ever dreamed it could be and we are so incredibly grateful to God that he chose us to be this little girl’s parents. Layla Rae, thank you for making me a mommy and your Dad a daddy! There’s nothing we won’t do for you. Welcome to the world sweet baby girl!”
Carlin Bates Opens Up About Her Newborn Daughter’s Health Struggles
However, shortly after her birth, Layla began experiencing some health setbacks. Five days after her January 31 birth, Carlin and Evan brought Layla home for the first time. But the following day, the new mom shared a photo of her baby girl back in the hospital.
And that’s when the ups and downs started since Layla was born, the mom shared in a separate Instagram on May 17. “In some ways I feel like the hospital has become our 2nd home! Although we’re still so nervous about the outcomes of everything, I know my God is in control and He’s writing our little story.”
“I am so thankful for His protection over my sweet baby girl. We’ve been in some scary places, but I know I can lean on Jesus. I may have many fears and worries, but I’m doing my best to place them in His hands. Becoming a mother has grown me in so many ways, and I’m beyond blessed that God gave me this little girl. We appreciate all your prayers for Layla Rae.”
Carlin then shared a more detailed version of Layla’s story on YouTube.
The family titled the video, When the Unexpected Rocked Our World. “We weren’t sure if we’d ever share this because it is very up close and personal; however, we want to be real with y’all. this is just us…letting y’all into our world in the ups and downs…that’s real life!”
After visiting the emergency room with an intense headache, that same night their daughter, who was being cared for by Carlin’s sister Erin, appeared to not be getting enough oxygen. So while Carlin was being cared for in hone hospital, her sister was taking their 3-week-old baby to another.
At this point doctors were still unclear about what could be cause Layla’s health issues.
Following her original health scare, the couple ordered an Owlet which monitors a baby’s heart rate while they sleep. It’s meant to help parents see the early onset of SIDS.
Carlin went on to detail how the Owlet alerted them to their latest health scare.
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Our thoughts and prayers are with the Stewart family during this trying time.