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Challenge: NICU Parenting

My 3 preemies

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I had my first preemie, Amayah Alice, on December 12, 2012 after a 60 hour labor. She was born at 33w 5d weighing 4lbs 5oz. She had no health issues and was breathing room air right away. She spent 3 weeks in the NICU.

My 2nd preemie, Oliver Roy, on October 29, 2014. He was born at 35w 4d weighing 5lbs 10oz. Thankfully he was able to avoid the NICU and come home with me right away! At 3months actual he was hospitalized with a severe case of RSV. He spent 6 days in the PICU and shortly after being released was diagnosed with athsma. I am proud to say that this is the first fall season we have not had to use the nebulizer!!! Crossing my fingers for winter!!

My 3rd and final preemie, Charlotte Anne, born April 29, 2017 at 31w. At my 20 week ultrasound I was diagnosed with placenta previa. At week 28 the placenta had not moved. On the night of April 28th I went to check on my kids, who were sleeping. I went back to bed and felt a fish. I figured it was my water but I wasn't sure because my water has never broken on its own before. I get to the bathroom and I realize it's BLOOD...and a lot of it!!!! I yell to my dad who is in the room next to the bathroom to call an ambulance. They get there and immediately have me transferred to the nearest hospital with a paramedic intercept for fluids. I get to the hospital where I received a unit of blood because I lost so much. They check to make sure baby is okay because she wasn't moving a whole lot. Thankfully she was perfect! They give me steroids and have me on my way to the next hospital with a NICU and where I would be until it was time to have the baby. I was not there long before they gave me magnesium which was HORRIBLE. It made me so sick which made me hemorrhage even more. Once I started hemorrhaging the baby's vitals started dropping and so did mine. The last thing I remember is calling my mom telling her i was going in for an emergency csection and fb messaging my father in law to have my mother in law call my mom(MIL's phone was off and I didn't have my FIL's number for some reason). I was so scared. I was by myself fighting for both mine and my unborn child's lives. The next thing I remember is waking up with my mom and in-laws in my room. I didn't even remember giving birth. I asked if I had her and if she was ok. I finally got to see her that night. She was intubated because i had to be put under general anesthesia. But, she was perfect and healthy with no major health concerns. She spent 7 long and exhausting weeks in the NICU.

I always tell people I am the mother of 3 healthy preemies. I could not be more proud of all of them. They are smart, healthy, and just overall amazing. I couldn't imagine my life without them!!

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