#30DaysofHope Day 16 - Addie
Lily is my first child. My husband and I were so excited to start our family and meet our baby girl. Initially I thought I was having gas pains. I went to the hospital out of an abundance of caution to get checked out. Maybe it’s Braxton hicks? At 31 weeks pregnant the last thought on my mind was that she was on her way.
The doctor hooked me up to monitors and checked my cervix, and casually told us, “You’re 2cm dilated.” As he started to leave the room my husband shouted, “Um… does that mean she’s in labour?!” The doctor shrugged his shoulders and left the room, looking concerned. A tear streamed down my face and I looked at my husband in horror and said, “No. It’s too soon.”
They admitted me into L&D, informing me that I was in fact having contractions. They told me I wouldn’t be leaving the hospital until she was born. They started pumping me full of drugs - I don’t even remember how many or which ones. They tried everything to stop the labour. The injected me with two doses of a steroid to help ramp up Lily’s lung development to prepare her for the outside. It was then when I realized what was going to happen.
I just remember looking at the nurse and saying, “She’s going to be okay though, right? You can help her?” And she very plainly responded, “I don’t know, hun. She’s very early.”
After 4 days of stop and start contractions, I gave birth to my beautiful daughter. She weighed 1500 grams and came out crying. The sweetest sound I’ve ever heard. They had to put her immediately in a plastic bag to contain her heat, then they took her away.
We spent 42 days in the NICU. Lily is a fighter. She had many setbacks and struggles, but she came out on top every time. She’s almost 5 months old now, and over 12 pounds of pudge! She is miraculous.
Prematurity is not only a journey for baby, but also for mama. I feel so deeply connected to other women out there who have experienced preterm birth and the sense of support I get from organizations like Project NICU help to remind me I’m not alone.
Seeing your baby thrive after the NICU brings immeasurable joy, and appreciation for the smallest of milestones. Nothing is taken for granted, and I think that’s kind of beautiful.