A Miracle on Monday

A Miracle

Life is a miracle. Every baby we meet on Micro Preemie Monday is a very special miracle. If you missed reading about last week’s miracle, please click HERE.

Today, is no exception. In fact, she amazed her doctors starting right in the delivery room.

Let’s meet Claire, as told by her mom Rhea.

Claire

1) Tell us about your baby?

Claire Aibhlinn  was born on 06/24/2015, 24 weeks & 5 day, and weighed 1 lb  11 oz, 12 inches. Her initial due date 10/8/15.  When Claire was born the NICU doctor and nurses were surprised and excited to see Claire’s eyes were wide open when she was placed on the table.  I’ve never heard such happy medical team cheering for joy in the operation room, and, of course, I had no idea what was the screaming of “Oh my god, Oh my god her eyes are open, she’s breathing room air meant”… LOL!  Now I know….. she’s a miracle baby!!

Normally babies born at 23 weeks or 24 weeks their eyes are fused. AND Claire was breathing room air for 24 hours.

2) How long was your NICU Stay?   What was the hardest part?

Claire stayed in NICU for 114 days.  The hardest part was not knowing what the day is going to be like. What  the test results are,  from head scan to Eye exams and test after test. She had her good days and bad days, like every preemie.  Seeing her fragile body being poked everyday with needles.

When she was born, at the time her dad was living in Bullhead City, AZ and was attending Medic school in Lake Havasu, AZ. He was gone for few days, sometimes a week or 2 weeks due to work and school. I was alone and the feeling of helplessness, but I received great advice from a friend, Kimberly Andrews, who went through the same 9 years ago. She kept my hope alive and I started to see the heavy weight cloud slowly lifting.

3) Do you know what caused your premature birth?

At 20 weeks, my high risk doctor discovered I had a shortening of the cervix.  An emergency cerlage was done. After two weeks, my water broke and I was admitted to stay in Anti-partum until I gave birth . After 3 weeks, the cerlage was removed to prevent infection. By two days, I was having contractions and her foot was presenting.

4) How are you and the baby doing now?

Claire is doing fantastic! She’s absolutely perfect. Most of all her doctor follow ups has been excellent, No ROP’s, no respiratory problem, her neuro development scaled 100% on responsiveness and motions.  We are blessed!!  She is truly a miracle baby. As of me, I’m taking it day by day. It still feels surreal she is home with us after what we went though.

5) What advice would you give to a new preemie parent?

Take every day by day and every is a good day. Get PLENTY of rest and eat, the more rest you get and a well balance meal. The more breast milk will produce for your baby. It’s OK to cry and be scared. Trust your nurses & doctors and stay positive. There is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Such great advice, Rhea. Thank you so much for sharing your story, and your miracle, Claire. Both of my twins were born with their eyes fused, so I can definitely understand the excitement of the doctors. I remember the day my little guy first opened one of his eyes, and it was amazing.

Please leave any questions or comments for Rhea and Claire below.