• About Me
  • Privacy Policy and Disclosure Policy

Shann Eva's Blog

A peek into my messy life with 3 boys

  • Home
    • My Delivery Story
    • Twin Pregnancy
  • Work with Me!
  • Money-Saving Links
  • Blog
    • Shann’s Favorites
    • Shopping
    • Birthdays
    • Health
    • Micro Preemie Mondays
  • Submit Your Story
    • Share an Update
  • Twin pregnancy
You are here: Home / Micro Preemie Mondays / A Rare Birth: Charlie’s Story

A Rare Birth: Charlie’s Story

April 30, 2018 By Shann Leave a Comment

Rare Birth

Every birth is a unique experience. No matter how many babies are born, no two have the exact same story. In some cases, not only is it unique, but it is a very rare birth, as well.

What makes it a rare birth? As you read through this journey today, not only will his entrance into the world amaze you, but his continued fight will bring hope.

#rarebirth A unique birth leads to an amazing micro preemie #micropreemie #nicu

I’m so honored to share this micro preemie miracle with you today. Please meet Charlie, as told by his mom, Sarah.

Charlie

1. Tell us about your baby.

Charlie was due on April 23rd but he was born on December 19th at 22 weeks 1 day, weighing 1lb 3oz, 11 in long.

He was born in his sac, which is pretty rare, but so is being born at 22 weeks.

rare birth

He is fighter; strongest boy I’ve ever met. His name suits him perfectly because he is a little warrior. He is our second baby boy, younger brother to Theodore (3).

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

We are currently still in the NICU and it has been 16 weeks.

rare birth

It’s hard to pinpoint what is the hardest part about NICU life. There are so many things that are really challenging, but leaving him is probably the worst part. It is so hard to think I have to actually go somewhere to see my own baby, and I don’t even get to hold him whenever I want to. I want nothing more than to have him home, but it has to be when he’s ready, and we’re just not quite there yet.

He has been through so much: 20 blood transfusions, 7 self-extubations, NEC, PDA ligation, ROP, being on the vent for 11 weeks and now being on CPAP for 5 weeks.

rare birth

He has come so far!

rare birth
4 months Vs. 1 month

Watching him go through all that he has is also very hard for me. I just wish I could have carried him longer and kept him safe, but I experienced a placental abruption and that’s what forced me into labor. I know that there was nothing I could have done about it or done differently, but it doesn’t stop the ache in my heart and the guilt I feel every time I see him face a new obstacle to survive. But seeing him thrive and grow brings me so much joy!

rare birth

3.Do you know what caused your premature birth?

My placenta completely detached and caused preterm labor. Nothing like this happened with my first pregnancy. I did have high blood pressure with Theodore, my first baby, toward the end and was induced at 37 weeks but Theo was healthy and didn’t need to be in the NICU. They said there was nothing I could have done differently, it was just a random thing that happens sometimes.

rare birth

4.How are you and your baby doing now?

We are doing well and just taking things day by day. Charlie is up to 6 lbs 8 oz and almost 4 months old. He will still be in the NICU for a while longer but he is slowly moving forward.

There is nothing quite like being a parent to a preemie. It has really given me perspective and taught not to take things for granted. It was 31 days before I ever got to hold Charlie and that’s just not something you think about. You expect to hold your baby when they are born but it was a luxury we did not have because he was so fragile. It’s something I will never forget and something I will always cherish.

rare birth

This experience has deepened my faith and brought me closer to God. There’s no way I would be able to handle this roller coaster of a ride without God giving me hope and showing me that all things are possible through Him. All the doctors told me that Charlie wouldn’t survive if he came that week, but that night, God showed them that He had bigger plans for my little boy. He has been faithful and it is a huge blessing to witness a miracle every single day. My hope is that Charlie’s story will encourage others and prove God’s love for all of us.

My relationship with my husband is stronger than ever and he has been my rock through all of this. We are so blessed to have a huge support system and very caring and loving families. Theodore has been handling the new changes very well, considering he’s three and doesn’t fully comprehend what’s going on. But he loves his baby brother and enjoys visiting him.

rare birth

I am fortunate enough to work at the same hospital where Charlie stays so I am able to visit him on my breaks and after work, and I still have plenty of time with Theo as well. It hasn’t been easy and I’m exhausted from trying to do as much as I can, but we are all getting through this time and know it’s temporary. We are so lucky and are trying to see this experience as a huge blessing!

rare birth

5. What advice would you give to a new preemie or NICU family?

I would tell them to take things day by day; try not to worry about the future, to focus on the now, and be thankful for this day you have with your little miracle. You won’t be in the NICU forever, even though it feels that way. We are still there and it seems like the light at the end of the tunnel is small, but we will get to it eventually. Just stay positive and have faith. Celebrate the small successes and don’t lose hope. I believe God has a plan for all of us and He uses the smallest people for His biggest victories!

rare birth

Thank you so much to Sarah for sharing precious Charlie with us. As of today, he is now 19 weeks, and he weighs 7 lbs and 10 oz. He did try the high flow nasal cannula, but had to go back on CPAP.

He is such an amazing fighter, and if you would like to follow his journey, you can visit his family’s website HERE. 
Please leave any supportive comments or questions below.
life lately

Filed Under: Blog, Micro Preemie Mondays Tagged With: 22 weeker, blood transfusions, CPAP, hospital, micro preemie, NEC, NICU, PDA Ligation, placenta, placental abruption, preemie, premature birth, rare birth, ROP

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Meet Shann

Shann Hi! I'm a mom, writer, and dancer. I love sharing my parenting experiences, my healthy living tips, my money saving ideas, and our travel plans. My passion to help other women inspired this blog. I hope you'll stay a while and come back often.

Need Help Finding Something?

Follow Me

Subscribe to Blog

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Recent Posts

  • Writing as Therapy May 16, 2022
  • COVID: The (Not) Good, The Bad, and The Ugly Guilt August 20, 2021
  • Healthy Lifestyle: Making Baby Steps Back July 27, 2021
  • 2020 Year In Review: The Highlights December 31, 2020
  • Premature Birth Awareness: Helpful Vs. Hurtful November 9, 2020

Facebook

Facebook
MKE Moms Blog
Copyrighted.com Registered & Protected 
M6VU-YLWL-D4JY-XAO4

Copyright © 2022 · Blog Design by Quality Websites On A Budget

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT