The new little addition to our family came on Feb 22, 2011. He had only been in the womb for 26 weeks and 6 days, so he was just 1 lb 14 oz at birth. He was delivered by C-section after Brittany developed HELLP Syndrome and it was no longer safe to continue the pregnancy. He was born at 10:10 am and immediately gave a tiny cry, to my surprise. His APGAR scores were 4, 5, and 8. His little, underdeveloped lungs were not strong enough so he was intubated and placed on a ventilator to breath for him. Also during the first couple of minutes of life his heart rate slowed down below a safe level and CPR was briefly performed to bring it back up. He was stabilized, wheeled over by Brittany so she could look at him, then whisked away to the NICU. IV lines and monitors were placed. From the very beginning he was very active and feisty.
Less than 24 hours after being born and put on the ventilator they were able to wean him off. He was instead given sipap, which is like cpap, that gives him positive pressure to assist him with his own breathing. He has been maintaining very well on sipap.
Yesterday he started sucking on a tiny pacifier and the nurse said that he has a great sucking reflex. Although the pacifier is very small it is still a little bit too big for him.
I was able to give him a blessing last night and feel very strongly that the Lord will be with him to fight and to take on the many challenges that stand in his way.
The doctors have told me every day so far that our little guy is doing as well as they could possibly hope for up to this point.
Nate,
ReplyDeleteThis is a surprise...I'm so sorry you guys have had all these scary complications. I wanted to tell you, though, that my sister in law (husband's sister) has had two babies now between pregnancy weeks 26-28 and both are healthy and happy. NICU doctors can do so much now and so can the Lord. He is a miracle!
Sending prayers your way -- Holly (Lowell)Wever
Nate, I'm sorry...this all must have been so scary. I also know a little guy born at 26 weeks and he is perfectly healthy (he is 4 now). Good luck!! We'll be keeping you, Brittany, and your kids in our thoughts and prayers. Beckham is a cute name.
ReplyDelete