The little girl was born with severe spina bifida and hydrocephalus four weeks ago.

Her parents Samantha Paish and Leigh Westerman were told by medics that their baby might not survive after the 26 week scan showed she had an enlarged head.

She was born by a planned caesarean three weeks early and made her arrival into the world on August 4, weighing 7lb 4 oz.

And just a few hours after birth she was rushed for a six-hour operation by neurosurgeons at Leeds General Infirmary and later cared for in the Peter Congdon Neonatal Unit.

Now home from hospital, baby Teagan's parents have launched an internet support group and online diary about the heartache they faced at her bedside.

First time mum 21-year-old Samantha was told the news at her 26 week scan that there was a problem with the baby.

Samantha, of Pontefract, said: "At the scan they told me there was something wrong and the baby had an enlarged head.

"They said it was spina bifida and we didn't know what to think. I had heard the name but was not sure what it meant.

"We looked it up on the internet and now we are just getting on with things, despite her disability. What else can we do?"

They have been told that Teagan may never walk but are hopeful that the medical care received at LGI will give her the best chance. She has scars from her operation but is very good natured and sleeps well.

Proud Dad Leigh Westerman, 24, a carer, said they had launched the support group after finding lots of information on the internet about the condition, but little in way of personal support from others who had been through the same thing.

He said: "It was awful while the operation to close her spine and install a shunt was being done. It seemed such a long time during those six hours.

"The care we have received has been amazing. The team have been brilliant and so devoted. She is in the best possible hands. We will return for more operations and soon she has to have pots on her little legs, which will help with stability.

"We are not sure if she will ever walk, but she has a fighting chance and we are just hoping for the best."

Leigh also has an older daughter Emily, six, from a previous relationship. He added: "We want to say a big thank you to the team at LGI. They were just brilliant.

"It has been a really traumatic time for us all as when we found out we did not know anything about spina bifida. We have started a web chat forum where people with the same experiences can help each other."

The website is at www.yorkshirespinabifida.forumotion.com

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