ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — A new baby’s arrival is supposed to be a wonderful time for a family, especially the proud father.

However, for one area man, the arrival of a new child has been a nightmare.

All seemed well, and then on Jan. 15, just two weeks before her due date, Chandra Middleton, wife of Robertsdale Assistant Police Chief Brian Middleton, was taken to USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital in Mobile.

Middleton was diagnosed with Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy.

AFLP is a rare but serious condition where fat accumulates in the liver, causing damage. It can be dangerous for both mother and child.

According to the March of Dimes Web site, “About 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 15,000 pregnant women are affected by this disorder.”

The cause of the condition is unknown. The only treatment is to deliver the baby as soon as possible.

Bryson Middleton was delivered in Mobile. Both Bryson and Chandra Middleton were listed as being in critical condition.

Chandra was then flown to the University of Alabama hospital in Birmingham. Bryson remained in Mobile. As of Tuesday morning he was in the “Progressive Care” unit.

Chandra was placed on a list for a new liver, but has been taken off the list as her liver and kidneys have shown some improvement.

As of this writing, Brian Middleton is shuttling between Birmingham and Mobile to visit his wife and son.

A benefit account to help the family cover the continuing hotel travel and food expenses has been established at Pen Air Federal Credit Union on Highway 59 in Robertsdale.

“We have quite a few accounts,” said Becky Jones, a member service representative at the bank. She says the account is called the Chandra Middleton benefit account, and donations to the account can be made at at all Pen Air branches.

One feature of a Pen Air account is that donors can add a very short message to the family.

“Some people have added comments like ‘We’re praying for you,’” said Jones.