introduction
JC Diamond (jdiamond@nic.com)
Mon, 4 Mar 1996 21:33:22 -0500
Hello. I have been lurking for a few days now. I kept meaning to write my
introduction but I have just now gotten around to it. I kept writing and
writing and it kept getting longer and longer. So I have decided to make it
short and sweet.
My name is Justine. My husband John and I have a daughter who was born 9
weeks premature on March 17th 1995. It is so hard to believe that it was
almost a week ago.
We live in Bergen County New Jersey. We were lucky to have a hospital
nearby with a level 3 NICU. As a matter of fact, Kate's Dr. was Frank
Manginello who has written an excellent book on premature babies called
"Your Premature Baby" (pardon the shameless plug)
Here is the "clinical" version of out story:
Kate was born by emergency C-section at 31 weeks gestation, secondary to
sudden severe PIH and oliogohydramnios with assymetrical intrauterine growth
retardation. Her birthweight was 1120 grams ( 2 pounds 7 ounces). I had
had a fetal lung assessment the day before the birth and as I had been told
would happen she was intubated in the delivery room for respiratory distress
and a decreased heart rate. Still, her Apgars were 5 and 8 which was pretty
repspectable all things considered.
Kate remained on the ventilator for 4 days and then went to CPAP after one
week on the oxygen hood. Kate had two bad infections to fight: a staph
infection on her UA line and enterococcus fetalis sepsis.
She had bad apnea spells and bradycardia..(one horrific night over Easter it
was easier to count when she was breathing rather than when she was NOT) but
when she came home from the hospital 53 days after her birth she was free of
all medication (save vitamins) and all monitors.
I know I ought to post the "emotional" version..but I still have a problem
trying to write that all out with out getting upset. SO please be patient
with me.
I have concerns about premie development. It seems to me that even using
"corrected age" the developmental specialists put premies on a tighter time
table than they do a term infant. I am sure I will be posting more about
this soon!
I am also currently working on an FAQ in support of moms Breastfeeding
Premature Babies. Breastfeeding Kate was a real issue for me. I had lots
of problems..but she did have breastmilk the whole time she was in the
hospital I am sure it helped her fight those infections! I will do a
seperate post about my project.
I have been very impressed with how supportive this group has been. I wish
it had been around when I thought my whole world was falling apart. But
then..I probably would not have had much time on line. I sepnd all my time
at the hospital. The NICU had a very liberal visiting policy. We could be
there any time we wanted except during shift changes. We could call anytime
24 hours a day. It provided great peace of mind.
Anyway...I'd better stop writing and post this.
PS: I would appreciate it if this NOT be posted to the Web site. Thank you.
Justine (mom to Kate 3.17.95)