Fred's Page
STATUS OF THIS PAGE
Due to legal action by Fred, Fred's dad will no longer be updating this page - e-mail us for the latest photos and personalised Fred MessageTM. This web page helped us to communicate with our family and friends around the world. We printed the page out and stuck it above the hospital bed, this helped communication with nursing staff. In Fred's first few days of life, we used this web page to give a positive message about Fred's progress.
BIRTH NOTICE
Frederick James 2.2 kg born 3.35 am on Friday August 11 2000 at Royal Womens Hospital, Carlton to lucky parents Richard and Sook Meng. Baby and Mum both well.
FRED'S SITUATION AT BIRTH
Fred was induced at 34 weeks, 6 weeks premature (due date September 19, 2000). Birth weight was 2200g which is a Low Birth Weight, but appropriate for gestational age. Fred spent about five days in the special care ward. His progress was remarkable, and he quickly developed the capacity to overcome all the obstacles put in his way. Fred was resuscitated, kept in an incubator, he was intubated for antibiotics, he wore a plastic bubble wrap blanket, he was kept on a respiratory monitor, he endured a day or two of phototherapy and he was fed through a tube.
Fred showing off his beanie, tartan suit, and high tech bubble blanket
THE CATS
Poor kitty cats didn't know what was going on when mummy went into hospital. Scruffy thought the bassinet was for him, but he knows he's not supposed to be in there as well. He has had great fun playing hide and seek in the box the bassinet came in. Tino just wants to hug all the time. Now that Fred is home, Scruffy loves watching him, while Tino doesnt care as long as he gets somewhere to sleep.
Ultrasound pics, March 2000.
Worries we had to think about - and the answers!
1. What is going on? - fear of the unknown. No one in our families has had a similar birth that we know of.
pre-eclampsia affects maybe 10% of mothers. with proper medical care all serious problems can be avoided. we were very lucky that our baby is so healthy. the baby was given steroids four days prior to the birth. hospital rest may have helped us to control blood pressure.
2. Balancing the decision to induce - on one hand wanting the baby to grow as much as possible before birth, and on the other the increasing risk to the mother.
its important to act fast when pre-eclampsia is indicated. when the baby's growth is no longer improving induced birth is important. the mother's suffering will increase with time.
3. What are the risks of induced labour? What is the chance that it will be a ceasar?
it may be possible that pre-eclampsia does prepare the mother for the birth. induced births at our hospital have a 30% chance of going to a ceasar. with an induced birth you have the best preparation and planning possible.
4. After the birth, how should we care for the mother who has had pre-eclampsia?
the mother will need to stay longer in labour ward after delivery. the mother's blood pressure will be carefully monitored.
5. What are the little things we need to know about having a baby in the neonatal ward - what are our responsibilities?
the neonate ward can give you a tour of the facility before the birth. the baby needs your attention, and you can help with care. you need to get hold of some reading material on premature babies. our hospital library loaned us several books to read while waiting in hospital and our work colleagues were very helpful as well.
Internet Resources.
1. Pregnancy Today - join a discussion and online support group of people due the same month as you.
2. Sidelines Canada - support for prenatal complications.
3. Preemie-L - information for parents!
Meet some of Fred's ancestors.
