A normal pregnancy lasts 40 weeks, our 1st son, Colton, was born at 24 weeks. He was 1lb 8oz. 11.5 inches long. Imagine a can of soda with a head, arms, and legs. We had to be careful even touching him, because he was so fragile. He had many complications including being on a ventilator, tube fed, perforated bowels, brain bleed, his heart and lungs were not developed, and many others. He only lived for 10 days before passing on into heaven. The 1st time we were able to even hold him was right before he passed away. we arrived at the hospital pregnant and left without a baby, and I do not wish that upon any new parent.
We were told having Colton early was a fluke thing and it would not happen again, that I got some sort of infection and went into labor. The Doctor′s tried to stop the labor but were unsuccessful.
Our 2nd pregnancy I was on bed-rest for over 2 months to keep baby healthy and to stay pregnant for as long as possible. Our son, Ryland was born at 28 weeks at Children′s St. Paul. He was 2lbs 12oz, 15 inches long. I was on many different medications to stop contractions, prevent infections, and help Ryland develop. Ryland was in the NICU for 62 days before we could bring him home and be a family. He was on a nasal cannula/si-pap to help him breathe for almost a month and tube fed up until 5 days before he went home. They were many ups and downs in the NICU, with infections, blood transfusions, and day to day changes. He is very healthy now, and we are very blessed with this little miracle. The Doctor′s still do not know why I have my babies early, no one in my entire family had every had a preemie and now I had two. I can′t even begin to tell you how scary it is to be worried about your baby, while your pregnant 24/7, I hardly even slept for 7 months.
It is a miracle a baby born so small and so early can survive and develop properly. The March of dimes helps save babies like Colton, and helps babies like Ryland stay healthy. We walk the March for Babies every April in memory of Colton and in honor or Ryland! Please help support our walk, and donate today!!
The mission of March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.
