Preemie Update: Searching for Answers

Preemie Update

We first met Anthony and Chloe last January. Going through a premature birth journey twice, their mom’s strength was amazing. Jen, their mom, reached out with a preemie update, which I wanted to share with you.

When we first heard their journey, Jen was still searching for answers about some of Chloe’s medical issues. Now, they are making progress and getting closer to those much-needed answers. It can be so difficult and frustrating waiting for the help you desperately need.

I love to share new preemie stories each week, but catching up with these amazing fighters is very important too. As I mentioned in this post, the preemie/NICU journey doesn’t end just because you come home from the hospital.

Here is a little background on Anthony and Chloe, along with where they are today, as told by their mom, Jen.

Anthony and Chloe

1. Please tell us about your babies.

Anthony was at born 31 weeks, weighing 2.5 lbs. Chloe was born at 28 weeks, just under 2 lbs. at 1 lb 15.5 oz.

2. How long was their NICU stay? How was their experience?

Anthony stayed in the NICU for 6 weeks. Nothing crazy for him.

Chloe stayed 14 weeks and 4 days. She had a bad time. She needed to be intubated for a lot of her stay.

Chloe had a few moments when trying CPAP that she needed to be bagged.

She also had trouble feeding and did not tolerate feeds. Chloe had to be time fed with a pump until manageable.

3. What was the reason for your premature births?

I had HELLP Syndrome with Anthony.

For Chloe, she had one small pocket of fluid, poor blood flow, fatty placenta, and IUGR.

4. How are Anthony and Chloe doing today?

Anthony is 5.5 years old, and he is a regular, very hyper and energetic little boy. He is extremely smart, and loves his little sister.

Chloe is 21 months and has lots of doctors we see and will see for a long time. She has bilateral hip dysplasia , which she will need surgery for to correct.

Chloe still has feeding trouble. After 3 bites of food, she is done. She is on formula for her calorie intake still.

Chloe sees Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy because she’s behind with walking and a few other things. She’s behind in speech, but does know a few things in sign language which helps. She’s working really hard on balancing, and we’re thinking very close to walking.

We see an allergist for her severe milk protein and soy allergy.

Now, we are finally seeing genetics for her because of all these concerns and her size. We are waiting on results, but they think she has Russell Silver Syndrome, which is a form of dwarfism.

5. Do you have any other advice for someone going through a premature birth journey?

I also want to say that please don’t ever let another’s comments get to you. I try to not let my kids see what other parents are saying to me about my daughters size and continuing to call her a baby, even after they know she isn’t one.

They treat her like she is small, but she is feisty.

We just have to be open to learning how to be open from them.

Thank you so much to Jen, for this preemie update. I hope they finally get the answers they’ve been searching for concerning Chloe. Both children are amazing and beautiful, and I hope to continue receiving updates.

If you’ve shared your journey and would like to send in an update, please click HERE.

Also, please leave any supportive comments or questions below.