Doctors Didn't Want to Show Newborn to Mom Due to Baby's Looks – Girl Makes People Applaud Her at 3: 'What a Doll'

When a Slovakian couple welcomed their baby girl, doctors hesitated to show the infant to them due to her appearance. Despite the initial prognosis and harsh criticism, the little girl has defied the odds. At three years old, she continues to amaze people with her achievements.

In June 2020, Elizabeth, hailing from Slovakia, entered the world prematurely, bearing the weight of a rare and challenging condition known as harlequin ichthyosis. This uncommon disorder manifests in the form of exceptionally thick and hard skin reminiscent of a "turtle shell."

Elizabeth's mother, Natalia Kadlecik, vividly recounted her daughter's arrival in these words, "She came to this world in a thick and hard crust, like a turtle." Born six weeks premature, Elizabeth faced immediate challenges as her tight skin constricted her breathing, leading to a five-week stay in intensive care.

Despite doctors initially giving her no chance of survival, Elizabeth's tenacity has shone through. While acknowledging the potential challenges her daughter might face, Natalia remains steadfast, noting the potential for unkind comments but expressing her determination to stay strong for Elizabeth.

During those moments, the prospect of a brighter and better tomorrow seemed far-fetched, overshadowed by a constant fear of losing her baby that loomed persistently over her head.

Concerns about societal reactions led Natalia to share Elizabeth's story, hoping to raise awareness about her daughter's condition. Despite varying medical prognoses, the mother remains focused on the present, highlighting that Elizabeth's diagnosis does not impact her mental abilities and noting observations that children with the condition tend to be intelligent.

Navigating an uncertain future, Natalia draws strength from witnessing the genuine love and adoration Elizabeth receives from her three older siblings. "We love to watch how she is loved and adored by her three older siblings. They reminded us of how much love is in us humans," remarked Natalia.

Defying the Odds

There was a time when Natalia's daughter's chances of pulling through were little to none. The distraught mom recalled being told by the doctors that her "baby was probably not going to make it and we should say our goodbyes." What the Slovakian mother felt at that time was something she would never wish on any parent.

But Elizabeth continued to defy the odds stacked against her and made it all the way to her first birthday. A few days before the special occasion arrived, her mom sat down and began going through some old photos, which made her realize how much her girl had changed.

"When I look at her I see a beautiful baby girl, but I have always seen her true beauty. I know that people don't see what I do, but that's ok. For me, she is perfect. And I will move heaven and earth so she will see herself the way I see her," described the loving mom.

Yet she also vividly remembered the day she held her baby girl in her arms for the first time. "I remember the day [Elizabeth] was born...the pediatrician who was there didn't want us to see her. She asked us if we [were] strong enough," noted Natalia.

Over time, Natalia and her family bore witness to their little one's enduring resilience. While savoring every precious moment of watching her daughter grow, Natalia couldn't shake the memories of a time when she found herself in an exceptionally dark place.

During those moments, the prospect of a brighter and better tomorrow seemed far-fetched, overshadowed by a constant fear of losing her baby that loomed persistently over her head. "But then, God gave us a chance. A chance to love you, to hold you, to get to know you. And I started to believe in miracles again. Because you are a miracle," shared Natalia.

Besides her parents, Elizabeth receives love from her sister and brother, who "have never questioned her looks. They genuinely think she is pretty. No child would be able to fake this." Natalia recounted an occasion when her oldest daughter invited a few friends over, and one of them called Elizabeth "the ugliest baby ever," repeating it four times.

Soon afterward, another one of her then-nine-year-old daughter's friends quickly said, "I think she is quite pretty. I like her." Natalia felt like walking forward and hugging the young girl. However, she spent that night wide awake, feeling a mix of anger and sadness. "This is not the first bad reaction we had, regarding how she looks like," added Natalia.

"Once my husband met an old customer, and he said that our daughter looked like from a horror movie. My husband stayed calm, but honestly, if I were there, I [don't] know what I would have done. I keep praying God gives me enough [strength] because I know things like this will be happening to us. But I [don't] know if I [am] strong enough," explained Natalia.

The Online Support

As of today, Elizabeth has transcended the challenges that once cast fairly grim shadows on her chances of survival as an infant. She turned three in December 2023 and also took her very first steps, making people applaud her and admire her strength and beauty.

"She did it! ☺️❤️ Elisabeth's first steps at the age of 3. With grandma 😊 It happened when I stopped believing it would ever happen…" wrote an ecstatic Natalia in her Instagram post.

"Oh amazing!! Good on her 👏," expressed one user. "What a doll! Bravo!❤️👏👏👏," commented a second person. "WELL DONE 👏 Elisabeth I hope you have a very Merry Christmas lots of love from the uk ❤️ [sic]," added yet another user.

What are your thoughts on this story? Click here to read another one about a mother who gave birth to a baby with a huge life-threatening tongue. A year later, the little one was finally able to smile.