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MOM NOTES
November 2007
Premature Babies and Being Thankful for the Little Things
This month, I am writing my blog from the lobby of the
Oklahoma University Women’s & Newborn Pavilion in Oklahoma
City. My middle daughter, Marae just had a baby. Of course
this is wonderful, and we are very excited. However, her
baby is two months premature. As we are learning, that
brings with it a whole new set of problems.
During the last trimester of her
pregnancy, Marae was placed on bed rest because she was
having problems with the pregnancy. The situation worsened
until finally, her system could no longer support both her
and the baby. The doctors decided it was time for her
little one to be born. They gave Marae steroids to try to
help the baby’s lungs develop and then they induced labor.
After four days, her baby boy was finally delivered. Marcos
weighted in at a hefty 5 pounds 3 ounces and was 18 inches
long. This is huge for a premature baby, so we were very
optimistic that he would be in good shape.
Looking at him the first day, it was
hard to believe that he was not just a normal baby.
Although they had tubes and machines hooked to him, he
looked so sweet and loveable and he appeared to be doing
great. Because of her own health issues, Marae was not
allowed out of bed while doctors continued to monitor her
systems. Since Marae could not go see Marcos, I sat by his
bed in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) and told him
all about his mommy and how much she wanted to be there with
him. He appeared to be resting peacefully. Every so often
a small twitch or wave of his arm would let me know he was
still listening.
I started taking his big sister, my
granddaughter Maranda, up to the NICU, so she could read to
her new baby brother. Maranda’s favorite Dr. Seuss book is
One Fish, Two Fish. Many times over those first few
days, she read it to Marcos through the little hole in the
side of the isolette. Things were so tense; I did not even
think to take a picture of her reading. I wish I had. It
was so precious. Maranda read in rhythm while the beeps of
the monitors kept pace in the background. Marcos slept,
listening to the sound of his big sister.
Unfortunately, Marcos’s lungs were just
not developed enough. As the hours passed, he began to
struggle to breathe on his own. Eventually, he was placed
on a respirator. His blood pressure continued to drop and
doctors ordered an ultra sound of his little heart. Marcos
lost some weight and his blood pressure did not improve.
Meanwhile, his mom still could not leave her hospital bed to
be with him. For four long, tense days we held our breath.
Like all mothers, my heart was
breaking. I knew the doctors were doing all they could and
that the latest, greatest and most advanced technology was
being used to help little Marcos. But when I stood over him
and placed my hand on his tummy through those little holes
in the isolette, I had to struggle to keep tears from
flowing. I tried so hard to hold in my emotions and only
cry when I was alone so that I did not upset Maranda. But
all I could think about was this poor little being, and the
struggles he had just to come into this world. There was
nothing I could do to help him. I felt I would give
anything to save him from struggling so hard.
Like a miracle on the 5th
day, Marcos made some dramatic improvements. His blood
pressure stabilized, his breathing became more normal and
when Maranda read to him, he squirmed and stretched. He
even started sucking on the tummy tube going into his
mouth. When Maranda rubbed his tiny feet, he wiggled and
tried to open his eyes under the protective eye mask the
doctors had on his face. The nurse decided to let him take
a break from his headgear and Maranda was able to look face
to face with her baby brother. He grabbed her finger and
gave it a strong squeeze. She was thrilled and decided that
One Fish, Two Fish was going to be Marcos’ favorite
book as well.
Marcos had rounded a corner. From that
time on, almost every hour was an improvement. Even Marae
made great progress and was able to start going up to the
NICU to visit with Marcos. On the 9th day she
was able to go home. Of course she will be back every day
for many months to come, but she is feeling great and little
Marcos is gaining strength by the hour.
Sometimes, we take for granted all of
the little things in our lives. I certainly did not have
the difficulty with my four babies that Marae has
experienced with Marcos. I am so grateful for the
technology and advances we have made in the care of preemie
babies. Becoming a grandparent for the third time was not
nearly as easy as I’d imagined it would be, but I think I
have already bonded with Marcos. I will always remember
One Fish, Two Fish and how his big sister kept him on
the right track. I am sure Marcos is determined to get big
really fast, so he can pay Maranda back for tickling his
toes when he could not fight back.
I asked Maranda what she thought the
biggest advantage would be to having a baby brother and not
being an only child any longer. She told me, “I will have
someone to pick on.” I warned her, “Watch out. One day,
Marcos might just pick on you!” I’m looking forward to that
day!
So until December, I wish you all the
blessings of the Thanksgiving season and hope you find joy
in the little things!
Happy Parenting, Brenda
Brenda
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