Family Story Assets (Word Document, Photos)
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On September 6th 2014 at 24.1 weeks pregnant, I went to the hospital feeling sick thinking I had the Flu. It was not the flu; I was very sick due to an infection around the baby. When they told me Laila was going to be born I expected the worst.
All the doctors were called in…my OB, the Neonatal team, as well as the Neonatal transport team because our hospital is unable to care for babies as small as Laila was. My Husband, not really understanding what was going on asked the nurse if Laila was coming now; she said yes and I immediately fell apart.
Next I started seeing many people come in to set up for the delivery. This was supposed to be the happiest time of our lives but instead we were so scared. Seeing the faces of my coworkers that are normally so happy and cheerful also looked concerned for us. Once the entire team was there, Laila was born weighing only 1lb 6oz, 12 inches and long her eyes were still fused shut. This was 111 days (4 months) before she was supposed to be born.
Due to Laila’s severe prematurity her lungs were not developed and she was not breathing on her own. They had repeatedly tried to intubate her, but they were unsuccessful. They came to my husband and I to discuss our options. All I could do is cry and begged the NNP to save her! Eventually they were able to intubate her.
