MARCH FOR BABIES: A MOTHER OF A MOVEMENT™
Central/Southern West Virginia
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State Capitol Complex
1900 Kanawha Boulevard , Charleston, WV 25304
Date: Saturday, April 28, 2018 10:00 AM
1900 Kanawha Boulevard , Charleston, WV 25304
Date: Saturday, April 28, 2018 10:00 AM
Our ambassador
The White Family
The White Family
Our journey to starting our family began in the spring of 2015. We had become pregnant very easily, but I immediately started having complications and showing signs of an early miscarriage. While we leaned on each other and God for support, our precious baby went back to heaven within a few weeks. Throughout the tears and heartache, we continued to hold on to our faith and both wished to try again for another baby. However, this time it wasn't so easy. It took longer, lots of medication, the help of a fertility specialist, and lots of prayers. The emotional roller coaster was exhausting. Then in November 2016, our prayers were answered. We were pregnant again! So many emotions overwhelmed us – excitement, anxiety, and fear of another miscarriage. Overall, we were having a normal and healthy pregnancy. We were so excited to start shopping and planning for our baby girl.
As I was nearing the end of my second trimester, my blood pressure began increasing and I had to start taking medicine. As a previous Labor and Delivery nurse, I knew the signs and symptoms to look for and when to call my OB. Looking back, however, I ignored most of these symptoms. As most nurses know, we are the worst patients! Luckily, my husband, Jeremy, kept a close eye on my blood pressure at home and remained in contact with my OB. Jeremy finally talked me into going to the hospital. Within an hour of being hooked up to the monitor and being evaluated, we were told we might have our baby that night.
We were quickly moved to a room on Labor and Delivery, and Dr. Lowery from the NICU prepared us to deliver a 30-week baby. I was so scared. Jeremy kept me grounded and helped me to keep leaning on God. I was able to hold off on delivering almost 48 hours in order to get the steroids for Olivia’s lungs. At that point, it was no longer safe for me to continue to carry the baby, and I was prepped for surgery.
Our little 2lb 14oz baby girl came out screaming and crying. She was so tiny and so blue! The nursing staff briefly brought her over so we could meet our daughter, but she was quickly taken to the NICU for closer monitoring. Jeremy was later able to visit her in the NICU, while I remained on bedrest in my room. Jeremy said it was love at first sight. He never wanted to leave her side. The next day, I was able to visit Olivia in the NICU. It was very tough seeing her hooked up to so many lines and tubes. She was so petite but so perfect.
The NICU staff was wonderful at keeping us informed on her daily progress. Every little goal she met was a huge celebration for us. After six weeks, we were able to bring our daughter home. She continues to do great at home and receives in-home therapy to help her catch up on her milestones. During Olivia’s stay in the NICU, we loved attending the March of Dimes activities. They provide an amazing service to NICU families and we are thankful for the work they do. We are honored to have been selected as the 2018 Charleston March of Dimes Ambassador Family and are looking forward to being part of the March for Babies walk this year.
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West Virginia Manufacturers AssociationKureha PGA LLCHighmark West Virginia