PTSD The term PTSD, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, is a condition people associate with experiences in the military or surviving a catastrophic life-experience, like a natural disaster or an accident. It is not always associated with pregnancy, birth, and prematurity, but it is a very real condition for women who experience those life-changing events. Worrying every day of … [Read more...]
An Emergency C-Section and a Premature Birth
Emergency C-Section I had my tonsils removed when I was 19. Before that, the only thing close to surgery was when I got my wisdom teeth removed at age 17. I'd only stayed overnight in a hospital one time before my emergency c-section. Scared and alone, with the exception of those 2 small babies in my belly, I had my first major surgery. While my life wasn't in danger, It … [Read more...]
Growth Restriction in Single and Multiple Pregnancies
Growth Restriction Growth restriction during pregnancy is a very serious condition. It is called IUGR, Intrauterine Growth Restriction, in single pregnancies, and SIUGR, Selective Intrauterine Growth Restriction, in twin pregnancies. Unfortunately, it is also a condition that I am very familiar with, as one of my twins suffered from it. According to WebMD: Intrauterine … [Read more...]
How to survive NICU: Lucia Wren’s Story
Survive NICU No matter what the circumstances or what your experience is, everyone has the same objective when their baby is born premature: Survive NICU life. Not only are you scared for your baby, but your whole life changes and your priorities shift. While not everyone may be able to be there all day, every day, you do your best to be with your baby as much as possible. … [Read more...]
Fight TTTS; Dakota and Scarlett’s Story
Fight TTTS If you're a regular reader of my blog, you know that my boys had to fight TTTS, and it is the reason that they were born extremely premature. While they say it is rare, TTTS seems all too common to me, and I know too many people who have been affected by it. Today, you will meet just one of those families. Please meet Dakota and Scarlett. 1.Tell us about … [Read more...]