A WOMAN from Chaddesley Corbett, who was warned not to have any more children after both of her lungs collapsed, is celebrating her first Christmas with her baby son.

Leanne Lillywhite, who suffers from lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), was warned pregnancy could accelerate the development of her rare lung disease.

“I was advised not to have any more children after my daughter Isemay was born due to rapidly declining lung function,” said Leanne, 35, from Chaddesley Corbett.

“But I’d always wanted a big family, and watching those around me growing their families without a care in the world was incredibly difficult for me.

“I knew I couldn’t be happy and would always have regrets wondering what if so I made the risky decision to try for one more child.

“The journey was painful, having suffered a miscarriage and a molar pregnancy along the way, but in the end, we got our healthy, happy baby boy and I seem to have come through things unscathed.

“Olly is our little miracle and we feel beyond blessed to have him, and Isemay is loving being a big sister, she’s really proud and loves showing him off.”

During the pregnancy Leanne supported her diet with vitamin supplements, was immunised against flu and pneumonia and steered clear of people with coughs and colds.

LAM, which affects around 350 women in the UK, progressively destroys lung tissue and can cause severe breathing problems which in some cases require a lung transplant.

Leanne, who is chair of the UK-based charity LAM Action, admits she gets breathless when she exerts herself such as walking up hills or doing rigorous exercise.

“Since Olly’s been born, things have been hectic but fantastic too,” added Leanne. “My husband works long hours so I juggle both children largely on my own.

“Isemay’s been very patient when I’ve been busy with Olly and I’ve tried to involve her in things as much as possible so she doesn’t feel left out.

“So far although it can be tiring at times, life as a family of four has been pretty amazing.”

She and husband James will be spending Christmas at home with three-month-old Olly and Isemay, aged three, and are looking forward to enjoying a family meal, playing board games and watching films.

Leanne was diagnosed with LAM in 2013 after suffering a double lung collapse and has been taking the drug rapamycin, which slows the rate of decline in lung function, since Isemay was born.

There is currently no cure for the disease.