Strength that can’t be measured
Every Monday, I am in awe of the strength that our preemies show as they fight to survive. I am just as in awe of their mothers’ strength. Not only are they emotionally strong for their children as they fight, but they are physically strong. In order to stay pregnant, they will make any sacrifices for their own physical comfort. Whether it be bedrest, a special diet, a surgical procedure, or just enduring pain, these preemie moms are amazing.
Just take a look back at a few recent stories, HERE and HERE, and you’ll know what I mean.
Now, I think all moms are remarkable and strong, but preemie moms face special challenges, and they face them without question.
Today, I’m sharing Amanda’s experience with premature birth. You’ll read about the sacrifices she made to try to keep her daughter from being born as long as possible. Her strength is inspiring, and I’m so happy she shared her story and her beautiful daughter with us today.
Lillian Marie
1. Tell us about your baby.
My daughter’s name is Lillian Marie but we call her Lilly. She was born at 25 weeks, 6 days, and weighed 1 lb 12 oz and was 13 inches long. She had a rough start and was given a 16% chance of survival. She was a fighter though, and came out breathing on her own.
2. How long was your NICU stay? What was the hardest part?
Lilly spent 82 days in the NICU and another 10 days in the PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care unit.) The hardest part was having to leave her, as we lived an hour away. I felt as if every time I left I was abandoning my child. I blamed myself tremendously. Lilly has been hospitalized 6 times in the last year.
3.Do you know what caused your Premature Birth?
I spent 97 % of my pregnancy on strict hospitalized bed rest in Trendelenburg position (flat on back with feet higher than the head.) Lilly was born due to incompetent cervix (funneling and non measurable) bulging membranes and PPROM (Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes.) I was in labor for 120 hours (No meds) before having an emergency c-section.
4. How is Lilly doing now?
Lilly is now 20 months and weighs 17 lbs and is 30″ tall. She has been fully caught up developmentally since 15 months, She has severe failure to thrive but has been doing very well on donor milk. All in all she is a normal 1 and 1/2 year old.
5.What advice would you give to a new preemie parent?
Advice I’d give a new preemie Mom is that this to shall pass, the sleepless nights, the beeping alarms, the constant worry if your child is still breathing will one day be a memory and that you should always hold your head up high! Remember anyone can raise a baby, it takes a special woman to raise a preemie
I could not agree more, Amanda. Please leave any comments of support for Amanda and Lilly below.
Beautiful story! I have a 25+5 weeker (Isabella Grace) she was 1 lb 5.5 oz, 13 inches at birth and we spent 91 days in the NICU! I love hearing stories like this, especially because the gestation was so close to my daughters, my little girl also has no delays and is fully caught up, she will be 3 next month….These miracles are truly amazing, Lily is gorgeous btw 🙂
Im glad your LO is doing well! Thank you for the support
A total lady boss! 120 hours of labor with no meds and that long with a baby in the hospital. I admire her strength!
It was definitely not fun lol thank you
Wow 82 days?! I have so much respect and love for preemie moms. Blessings to this momma and that sweet little girl!
It was a long 3 months. But strength is all you know in the NICU
Such a beautiful little girl! God is good!
Thank you ‹3
Wow – that is one strong mama! I can’t imagine what that must have been like – and how scary as well. What a beautiful little girl 🙂
Thank you ? i knew i had to be strong for her
Wow, I am in awe of these parents and what they go through with such gentle bundles. The labour was long enough, let along the hospital stays, etc. It is so wonderful to see pictures of Lily thriving today. Beautiful! Thanks for sharing 🙂
It was a long journey, but we do what we have to for our children ?
She’s beautiful! Preemie moms and their preemies are such signs of strength!
Thank you ‹3
Omg another little miracle :):) so happy to she her doing so fabulosly now!!!!
She truly is my miracle
It was rough! And thank you
It was definitely a roller coaster ride lol thank you
Lots of prayers for Amanda and Lilly! So loved reading their story! Very inspiring of how far love can take you!
Wow. Everytime I read these stories I get teary. Lilly is a beautiful little girl.