What were the circumstances surrounding your child’s birth?
When I was 29 weeks, I went in for a regular checkup. Since the appointment, I had just 2 weeks prior been cancelled due to an emergency c-section, my doctor had to attend. My blood pressure was 160/120. My doctor had me admitted to the hospital for a 24-hour stay and after an almost 72-hour stay, they determined I had severe pre-eclampsia.
What complications, diagnoses or surgeries did you or your child face?
With pre-eclampsia, the baby and I faced several complications. Since the condition was so severe, they were worried I would start having seizures. After monitoring the baby for over 24 hours, they discovered his heart rate was dropping. After an ultrasound, they discovered he was measuring too small and decided to take him. At 30 weeks, my son was delivered via c-section. He weighed 2 lbs 4 ozs and stayed in the NICU for 8 weeks.
How old is your child now and how is he doing?
My son is now 15 months old and he is a healthy, wild, smart child.
How did your whole family cope with this experience? How are you all doing now?
It was a very tough situation to cope with, considering my husband and I were both the babies of our families, and Nixon was the first boy in the family as well. We all learned to lean on each other to make it through. My family really loves my son. He continues to make everyone laugh and smile, just like he did when he was born.
What did you learn about this experience that you’d like to pass on to others?
The thing I learned is it’s okay to cry, it’s okay to worry. Because in the end whatever outcome may happen, it is an amazing experience. Take each day, one day at a time. There will be good days and then there will be bad days. Regardless of which one it is, enjoy spending time with your baby. Also, enjoy your time at home alone, take that time to get everything ready for baby. It also helps mother cope in her own way.
I want to thank everyone who helped me through this. From the NICU nurses to all these online sites that helped me get support from other mothers that went through this experience.