In reality, this happened less than three years ago, but after everything that has happened since then, it feels as though it was decades ago.
We almost forget, at times, that Dexter was born early.
And yet, that early birth... and those weak, immature lungs, were the most likely cause of Dexter's quadriplegic cerebral palsy and his cortical vision impairment.
And so, we will never forget to celebrate and acknowledge Premmie Days.
And today is Wear Green for Premmies Day.
Lenice was only able to have a half dose injection of glucocorticosteroids.
This was given before Dexter was born, to help with his lung development. Because he became too stressed, and they had to deliver him quickly, he never received the complete course. But he came out OK.
And then he crashed. We almost lost him that first night.
But Dexter is a fighter and he went on to survive pneumonia and anaemia and jaundice. He had ultrasounds, echo-cardiograms, x-rays, barium swallows, enemas, electroencephalograms, milk scans, swabs, lumber punctures, blood work and loads of tests.
8 long days later, still covered in tubes, I got to hold my son for the first time, for half an hour. It was the most precious 30 minutes I have ever experienced.
Dexter’s 122 days were difficult, but Dexter came home and not every premature baby’s story has this happy ending.
There are many beautiful, devoted and caring nurses, making sure the babies get their best chance, and maybe... sneaking in some cuddles.
And, there are parents... with that hollow, empty expression on their face, as they sit beside their babies... wondering, hoping and worrying.
Every premature birth brings its own story. Many stories are similar to Dexter's.... a life with cerebral palsy, or something equally difficult and challenging. For the rest of their lives, they will struggle and battle with whatever problems they have been dealt. They will most likely grow to become determined adults. Many stories are like Dexter's sister's. She was born a month early. Apart from some scary feeding issues over the first fortnight, she is thriving. We don't even consider her to be a premature baby, but she is. Many of these kids go home before their due date. Many of them excel in all areas, quickly catching up with their peers. But, those early days are still frightening. And some kids have it even harder than Dexter. We know that. We have seen that. We've heard some of their stories. We've met some of them. And, some premature babies gain their tiny wings... their battle was just too difficult. Their families will carry their memory, forever. |
While we have left the premature birth days behind us, some of the memories will never leave. The beeping of the monitors will always take us right back to the neo-natal intensive care unit. When we watch a movie or a television show where a premature baby is featured, we watch with a much more educated and critical eye. And, when someone gives birth, our immediate thoughts are for the baby... is everything ok? Because we know now, just how much can go wrong. |
It came as a huge surprise to us.
We'd sold the 'baby stuff', and considered ourselves a family of four.
But, that wasn't to be.
Because of our experience with premature birth and neo-natal intensive care units, pregnancy is scary. The tiniest thing can be a big concern.
When we were pregnant with Dexter's sister, Dexter was undergoing chemotherapy treatments, so we hardly had time to consider the pregnancy...
This time, with a fairly settled life, the pregnancy can receive more attention an thought. Every sensation can be felt and every pain considered. Kicks have been heard during ultrasounds and this baby seems to like moving.
This time, we hope we can deliver a healthy, content term baby.
Go over to the Lil Aussie Prem's website and read a little more about the Wear Green for Premmies Day. Since 2011, $10,000 has been raised to support to support neo-natal intensive care units. The money was raised through the selling of merchandise. |
Or, wear green and start a conversation about premature babies.