Beyond All Odds

Beyond All Odds
By Kimberly Reyes

My water had just broken at 23 weeks, I was in my 6th month of pregnancy, terrified and shell shocked. Lying in a room not much warmer than a meat locker, a parade of doctors, interns and students coming and going each offering less information than the person before, did little to ease my nerves. When it came time to finally speak to us, it was in hushed tones and with grave faces. “Comfort care”, the phrase went completely over my head. I turned to my partner, whose anger I could feel seething, and mouthed “what does that mean?” It meant that if she had been born that evening there would have been little to do but let this baby, teetering on the edge of viability, pass on quietly and peacefully. I remember just saying no. No to the idea of losing her, no to the idea of anything but her being fine and no to the idea of not bringing her home with us when the day came. I was told that the best case scenario would be to stay pregnant for as long as possible giving her the chance to develop just a bit more. I was told how unlikely this would be and warned of all the worst possible outcomes by specialist after specialist. It was from that moment that I vowed to allow only hope to rule. I shut out fear, pessimism and doubt and told myself we would bring our daughter home. 

A micro preemie is generally defined as any baby born at less than 26 weeks (some sources will say 28) and weighing less than 800 grams (1lb 12oz). They represent 0.7% of all babies born in the United States each year. Advances in medical science over the last few decades have resulted in their thriving at previously unheard of rates, but even still, many of these tiny warriors face uphill battles from the start. 

Being born a micro preemie almost always results in a lengthy stay in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). Babies are often kept until near their original due date or many times afterwards should complications arise. Some of the medical issues they face include: jaundice, apnea, anemia, various respiratory issues, infection, and even sometimes cardiac or vision problems. Micro preemies are more often than not intubated or fitted with other respiratory aides when first hospitalized and many will also have challenges with feeding; some even need to continue with aid even when sent home. Our little miracle would defy all odds. 

After that fateful night in the hospital I remained pregnant for almost another 3 weeks and we brought home a tiny miracle 109 days later. My daughter was born at 26 weeks and 1 day weighing 680grams or 1lb 8oz. She was 8 and ¼ inches long. The tiniest human I had even seen. She was intubated, and placed under the glow of blue lights meant to reverse the jaundice she had developed. 57 days passed before I held her for the first time, a few days after my first mothers day. During her stay, it was as if she was going down the checklist of micro preemie bingo. She developed anemia and would require multiple blood transfusions, struggled to keep her heart rate stable, had two infections that required multiple antibiotics and even developed ROP (a condition that causes abnormal blood vessel development in the eyes that when untreated can lead to blindness). 

I kept that vow I made to myself the night my water broke months earlier than it should have. I had vowed to hope and pray for only the best of outcomes. I refused to let fear and doubt cloud my heart. I was going to bring this little girl home and she was going to be fine. 109 days after she was born I brought home a healthy 5lb baby. At 3 months old she was still smaller than most newborns. She will be 1 year old in 3 weeks. She weighs 17lbs, is 25” tall, is learning to stand, has cut two front teeth and eats her veggies like a champ. The doctor at her most recent checkup did a double take when looking at her chart, remarking “my goodness she’s perfect, I’d have never known she was born so early!” She is truly a miracle, a translation of the word to which she is a namesake. The product of our dedication to careful and informed choices. The power of her story lies in the truth that hope is always greater than fear and that with faith there is no darkness the light cannot conquer.

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For Families Looking for Support while in the NICU or After

(Clickable Links)

The Baby Book Every NICU Family Should Own

A Collective of Support for NICU Moms

Project NICU Resource for Families

Penelope Project- Support and Resources for NICU Families