However, despite her best efforts, Oarlah fell victim to the herpes virus. The virus’s insidious presence manifested in a flurry of painful and unsightly spots that covered the baby’s delicate head and face. Fearing for her daughter’s health, Hollie, at 21 years old, found herself grappling with the harsh reality that her precautions had not been foolproof.

Hollie recounts her anxiety during her pregnancy, where she had stumbled upon a harrowing Facebook post detailing a baby contracting herpes from an innocent kiss. This post had served as a stark reminder of the virus’s dangers, propelling Hollie’s resolve to protect her newborn.

“I tried to protect her, and she still got this horrible virus,” Hollie lamented. “When I was pregnant, I’d seen a Facebook post from a mom whose baby had caught herpes from someone kissing them, and I was horrified.”

Hollie and her partner, Bradley Airlie, 21, had been ecstatic about their impending parenthood. Oarlah was born in November 2018, weighing a healthy 7 pounds and 9 ounces. However, despite their joy, the fear of herpes cast a shadow over their early days as parents.

Hollie admitted, “I couldn’t help myself, and I kissed her on the forehead when she was born, but then I banned all her visitors from kissing her. A few of the older moms thought I was just a young, overly cautious first-time mom, but I didn’t care.”

To their dismay, the virus still found its way to Oarlah. The swelling and discomfort it caused were overwhelming. Hollie recounted, “We had tried to be so careful; it was devastating. I couldn’t believe it had happened. Her face looked like it had been pumped up like a balloon.”

Seeking immediate medical attention, Oarlah was rushed to the hospital, where doctors administered antiviral medication to combat the virus’s relentless assault. The situation grew even graver as the virus affected the baby’s left eye, raising concerns about potential blindness.

Hollie shared her anguish, saying, “When I saw those spots in her eye, I was filled with horror. I knew that she could be blinded because of it. We went back to the hospital, and they put a yellow dye into her eyes, then hooked her up with drips to get the medication into her faster.”

Thankfully, after a grueling battle, Oarlah managed to make a full recovery, defying the odds and reclaiming her health at 15 months old. Hollie’s cautionary tale serves as a poignant reminder of the hidden dangers that can lurk even when we take the utmost precautions to protect our loved ones.