Surviving Trauma, Dakota-Rose’s Story

Trauma

A premature birth can be filled with trauma. From the unexpected early time you give birth, to all of the unknowns you must deal with in the NICU, the whole experience is full of life-changing events.

Faced with talk of survival rates and unexpected complications, that trauma can stick with you long after you are home from the NICU.

Today, however, we meet a sweet girl who is still fighting to get home.

Both her and her mom have experienced quite a bit of trauma so far, but they are ready to take the next step in their journey. They are both fighters, and I’m so happy to share their story with you.

Please meet Dakota-Rose, as told by her Mom, Tabitha.

1. Tell us about your baby.

My daughter’s first name is Dakota-Rose and she was born by emergency c section  on August 24th, 2016 in the second largest hospital in Canada, and one of the three exclusive hospitals in my province that will care for a baby her size at the time.

Her birth weight was 764 grams, or 1.6 pounds.

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

I am still on this journey with her and we are three months in almost. Doctors say she will be home for Christmas.

The complications with her health were minimal, despite the fact that she was given a 40 percent chance of survival. No brain bleeds, no cerebral palsy, no lung issues or heart problems.

The only significant things she had to endure was a PDA valve closure of the heart, which isn’t open heart surgery. The nerves in her eyes were growing in the wrong direction, but that was also fixed with a needle.

There was a traumatic incident, however, that I will never ever forget.

She almost passed away in my presence when she was 1 month old.

All the machines started to go off and the nurse in her room started saying,  “I can’t bring her back, oh my god.” I was panicking asking if my little girl was going to live and she said “were doing what we can for her.” Dakota-Rose was blue and limp.

But they got her breathing again.

This happened because she kept having bradys, and she held her breath and didn’t start breathing again.

3.Do you know what caused your premature birth?

Nobody really knows. There was nothing wrong with the placenta. I had to go to the hospital with a horrible bleed and gave birth by c section 5 days later.

4.How are you and your baby doing now?

Dakota-Rose is almost 3 months old and is almost ready to go home once she starts bottles.

I have yet to go to appointments with her because we are still in the nicu, but the doctors say there will be a LOT.

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

Always hold onto hope. Take lots of pictures and save everything – Their BP cuffs, hats, etc.

And stay strong. if you can’t do it for yourself, do it for your baby.

Thank you so much to Tabitha for sharing sweet Dakota-Rose with us. We will all be hoping that she is home in time for Christmas. I will definitely keep you updated.

Please leave any supportive comments below.