Reality TV star Danielle Milian tragically announced that she lost her newborn son, Richie, just hours after the baby was born.
On her Instagram account, Milian posted a photo to show the baby's tiny handprint on her chest and wrote, "Yesterday I was blessed with the birth of my Richie Bear. Unfortunately, last night he took his place with the Lord and we said goodbye. I so appreciate the prayers and support from everyone. He touched my heart and was perfect in so many ways."
The sad message was posted less than 24 hours after she also shared on Instagram a photo of her son's tiny feet while exclaiming that Richie Bear is a fighter.
While pregnant, doctors already told Daniel that the baby had omphalocele, a birth defect that lessened his chances of surviving. They found this out while she was getting an ultrasound and the technician could see the baby's intestines, according to Us Weekly.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the baby's condition means that his internal organs, like the liver and intestines, are growing outside of the belly and through his belly button. The site also stated that the causes and risk factors of this condition include alcohol and tobacco use, certain medications and obesity.
Danielle's baby had a 53 percent chance of dying, according to her doctors. So, she was given the choice to proceed or abort the pregnancy. After consulting with her husband Richard, she decided that she was going to give the baby a chance to live. "I said to [Richard], 'Could you live with this?' Because I know can. I know I could be in a hospital every day. As a mother, I will do whatever it takes for my child. I said, 'I could spend two years in a hospital. Can you live with this?" Danielle told Us Weekly back in June.
Richie would've been the second child for Danielle and Richard, who already have a one-year-old girl, Naomi, according to Mail Online. Danielle also has an eight-year-old boy, Daniel, from a previous relationship. The 29-year-old mom was supposed to be due in September, but with the baby's condition, she gave birth earlier than the schedule.
Her sister, Christina Milian, told Page Six that losing Richie is tremendous for the family. "My sister and brother in law are so strong and we will all get through this together. We appreciate everyone's prayers during this difficult time."
Christina and Danielle work together on the E! series, "Christina Milian Turned Up," along with sister Liz.
