Micro Preemie Monday and Nasir

Micro Preemie

Thank you for joining me for another Micro Preemie Monday. Last week, we met a premature baby that was born at a little later gestation, and weighing more than the babies we usually meet. Even with these factors, Ana still had to fight for her life. You can read the full story HERE. I think it showed that no matter how long or short your NICU stay is, it still has a lasting impact, and all NICU families need your support.

Today, we meet a new family who has come to share their story of hope. Aisha is here to tell us all about her strong fighter and micro preemie, Nasir.

Nasir

1.Tell us about your baby.

I was actually in a local mall picking out clothes for my maternity shoot when my water broke. Ironically, I thought I was just peeing on myself in the middle of Forever 21, so I just awkwardly walked to the bathroom. I go to squat and more water pours out. I was so embarrassed! It’s my first baby, so I didn’t really understand what was going on because I was only 26 weeks along in my pregnancy. I called my on-call doctor, and before I knew it I was in the emergency department of the hospital. My boyfriend was on one side and my mother and his mother were yelling at a nurse in the hallway. I’ve never been so scared. The plan was to keep me pregnant, but as my contractions increased my son’s heart beat decreased, and I was scheduled for an emergency c section. He was here about 5 hours later.

Nasir Aiko was born 8/9/14 weighing 2 lbs 10 oz, and  15.5 inches long.  My original due date was 11/4/14.

2.How long was your NICU stay? What was the hardest part?

Nasir was in the hospital from August 9th until October 13th. 61 days to be exact. I pumped milk for him for about a month and dried up. The hardest part was not being able to take him home with me when I left the hospital. Nasir was diagnosed with broncho-pulmonary dysplasia and a grade 2 intraventricular brain hemorrhage. I cried when the doctor told me, I believe this was during my second day at the hospital after I had him.

3.Do you know what caused your premature birth?

Just stress, I wasn’t high risk or anything like that after my water broke he was already in the position to come down I was actually dilated.

4.How are you and your baby doing now?

Everything is great! Nasir goes to daycare full-time and gets physical therapy from birth to 3. His health is fine! He’s about 25 lbs and 33 inches tall!

5.Do you have any advice for new preemie parents?

My best advice would be to stay positive and have faith. It was so hard to have a baby and then put all my trust to people I don’t even know. But, after a while I understood and accepted that they can help him in ways I can’t, and they did! Make sure you understand everything that’s going on because finding out the medical needs is important but then keeping up and maintaining at home is a huge responsibility. Our babies came early ready for the world so as preemie parents as scary as it is we need to be ready too!

Thank you so much,  Aisha, for sharing your micro preemie birth story. Having your first birth experience be a premature birth must have been terrifying. I hope your story encourages others, and brings them hope.

If you have any comments or questions for Aisha, please post them below.