National Prematurity Awareness - Jackson's Story

Jackson holding Jacob's finger
at about a month old.

Four years ago I was thrown into a world I knew little about and no amount of preparation could ever make you ready. What should have been one of the most exciting events in my life turned to the scariest!

I had what most would consider a textbook pregnancy. Everything was wonderful until October 4, 2007, a date that will be etched in my mind forever. While at a my regular doctor visit the nurse started by trying to take my blood pressure, but was having trouble. She called in my doctor. He took it and told me to lie down that I would not be going home. We were on RED ALERT and as quick as you are reading this I was admitted!

I was diagnosed as having Preeclampsia/HELLP syndrome. Basically, my body was shutting down! I was monitored for 3-4 days with major up and downs and everyday was told if something changed they would have to take him to save me. The nurses were drawing blood every 4 hours monitoring my condition; I was at risk for kidney and liver failure not to mention seizures. Around midnight on the morning of October 9, 2007, my condition changed and Jackson started to show signs that he was being affected. I was moved to labor & deliver to start being prepped for his delivery. The next 8 hours were a blur, I was hooked up to multiple IV bags, they were injecting me with medications to bring my blood pressure down and a multitude of other things.

At 8:27am on October 9, 2007, Jackson entered the world. Although I didn't get to see him, I heard him cry. Being that he was what is considered a micro preemie at 2 lbs 9 oz, he was whisked away immediately to the NICU. Now the fight was on to save him!

The day I was admitted the neonatologist came to visit me to let me know of their capabilities and what could potentially happen should he be delivered early. She was SO comforting and set my mine at ease. She said they had the technology available now to support a baby born as early as 24 weeks. I believed her and never let it enter my mind that I would not bring him home.

Over the course of his stay we had many scary ups and downs, but the nurses were wonderful explaining everything to us as we progressed. I knew from early on that he was a fighter. He would pull out breathing tubes, feeding tubes and anything he could reach. I sometimes think he enjoyed keeping everyone on their toes. But after 81 days in the NICU and many ups and downs, my miracle came home!

The first year was definitely the hardest and I sometimes wonder how Jacob and I made it through! Four years down the road and Jackson is still keeping us on our toes, but now it's typical boy things like bumps, bruises and stitches.

Looking back I feel lucky to have had this experience, because it has made me appreciate the little things that I would have otherwise overlooked. I understand now how precious life really is and have experienced a love I never knew existed.

November 17th is National Prematurity Awareness Day.