Larken Strong

At 28 weeks and 5 days, we found out that our baby was ready to come early - much earlier than anticipated and a shock as the pregnancy had been normal with no known complications.

After getting to triage and finding out that I was 3 cm dilated, I was put onto a magnesium drip and administered the first of two steroid shots and transferred from Bethesda North to Good Samaritan. Upon arrival at Good Sam, I met with Dr. Voss from MFM who explained to me what was going on in more depth, what the game plan would be, and what could happen in the next 24 hours-48 hours. This was definitely a scare and something that made us confused, scared and nervous. But, thankfully due to the knowledge of Dr. Voss and the rest of the MFM group, we knew that we were in the best hands no matter what would happen. 

Having contractions since entering the hospital, I was monitored and placed on bed rest. Fast forward about 60 hours, and I was being moved up to L&D  - this baby was coming and ready to make her debut. All the emotions hit us, but we just wanted to make sure that our baby was safe for delivery and would have the best care once delivered. 

Thankfully, the knowledge and skills of Dr. Smith with MFM allowed for a quick and safe delivery, and the NNP and NICU nurses in the room were quick to make sure out little girl was taken care of for the best outcome she could receive being born at 29 weeks and 1 day. 

Our little girl was transferred to the NICU right after delivery. Her dad went with her, to be right by her side. We were scared - she was so tiny born at 2 lbs. 11 oz. and 15.25 inches. We had no idea what our journey would look like and that this was just the beginning of our story as a family. Larken spent 50 days in the NICU being monitored and taken care of. Other than that, she has no major lingering effects so far of her prematurity, and was lucky to be discharged from many of her doctors quickly after her discharge from the NICU. After being in the NICU for those first 50 days of her life, we are well aware of how lucky we are with our outcome. 

What March of Dimes is able to do, can help others receive the treatment necessary so that they can have the same outcome, should prematurity be something they encounter.

We share our story so people know that premature birth affects many people, and you never know who those people will be. We want to support those who are going through/ will go through what we did, so they know that there is another side of life for their baby outside of the NICU.