Today, November 17th is world prematurity day. In honor of all the preemies who have left this world too soon, who have struggled more than anyone should ever have to, and for my precious miracles who all came too soon, I will post their stories....
When I went into pre-term labor with Sammy at 27 weeks I was dumbfounded. I had no thoughts that this would ever happen to me. I had thought that I was eating healthy, exercising, resting appropriately and doing all that the doctors recommended. I was placed on bed rest and on medications to stop the contractions. I was able to carry Sam's pregnancy to 35 weeks and 4 days. At that point I was diagnosed with severe pre-eclampsia and HELLP Syndrome. I was induced to save both of our lives. When he was born he had poor apgar scores and had to be resuscitated. He spent 19 days in the NICU, had lots of apnea/bradycardia issues. He also was jaundiced and had some feeding issues. He is now 7, and is thriving. He has some medical issues but he is doing so well.
When I again went into preterm labor at 28 weeks with Sophia Grace, I was absolutely heartbroken. I so desperately wanted a full term healthy baby. Thankfully because I had already had one preemie I was able to get steroids to help develop Sophia's lungs faster. When she was born at 35weeks and 1 day I was thrilled when she came out screaming and was 5lb 8oz. She had TTN, which is "transient tachypnea of the newborn", but it resolved quickly. She also was jaundiced but was able to come home on day 5. It was wonderful having her come home so quickly.
When I got pregnant with Preston in 2011, I initially starting seeing a regular OB doctor, but around 20 weeks started having elevated liver tests, and there was a thought to induce labor so that I would deliver the baby and not get sicker. I was adamant that I wasn't going to have the baby that early. I decided to go to the high risk OB's in Boston, and it was a wonderful decision. They listened to every complaint I had and gave me steroids as I requested. With Preston I never officially had HELLP Syndrome but the doctors believed I was headed in that direction so they wanted to deliver him. I delivered Preston at 34 weeks and 3 days. He was my big boy weighing in at 5lb 15oz!!! Preston required intubation, bili lights, and some tube feedings, but was discharged from the hospital at 10 days of age.
And then sweet Paisley. I expected that I would have complications this pregnancy and didn't expect that I would be able to carry to full term. Throughout the pregnancy there were more and more issues. My goal was just to make it to 34 weeks so that I could deliver at Emerson Hospital which is the hospital where I was born. Unfortunately I only made it to 33 weeks. Paisley weighed 4lb 3oz when she was born. She dealt with respiratory distress, some bradycardia, jaundice, poor feeding and some vomiting issues. She stayed in the hospital for what seemed like forever and was was discharged after 21 days in the hospital
As you can see prematurity has played a huge role in my journey as a mother. I haven't gotten the experience of bringing home a full term chunky baby, or felt so big when I was nearing my due date. Please support preemies and the March of Dimes, and the research they can do to prevent this from continuing to happen to others.
Christmas Day was wonderful. The kids were thrilled with their gifts. We were so blessed this year by the generosity of some wonderful people. My parents as well as one of my husbands co-workers helped us get gifts for the kids this year. I can't even begin to tell you how blessed we were to receive these gifts. Each of the kids got one special gift that they were really really hoping for. Sophia got an American girl doll and was beyond excited. She also got clothing for her doll and some lip gloss and clothing. Sam got a snow board and legos that he had really wanted. Preston got this sweet little Mickey chair that he absolutely is thrilled about. And little miss Paisley got Sophia the Giraffe which she is loving chewing on.
