How did you learn about your pregnancy and what was your initial reaction? I remember it like yesterday, we have been trying for a while to get pregnant so I was keeping track of my cycle. My cycle is super consistent and I was late so I figure lets take a test. I was working and afterwork I went to Walmart to get a pregnancy test. Once I got home it was positive. I was super excited and more excited to tell my husband when he came home from work.
Share what you are comfortable with about the birth of your little one and meeting them for the first time. The entire pregnancy went very smoothly - no issues and I felt great. Labor itself was great too. I had Quinn natural but did get an epidural. I pushed for a couple hours but the last push or so, they needed to use the vacuum to get him out but it was quick, they put him on me quickly but then whisked him away to the nurses and was working on cleaning him up - my husband did not get to cut his umbilical cord. Shortly after we heard his little cries. Once he was cleaned up we did skin to skin. I was so happy, crying and all. I also was shaking so much from the epidural aftermath but everything was just perfect. Initially we did not know we were having a boy so my husband was able to announce that it was a boy. =)
A lot of times you may not be able to hold your baby for a period of time right after they are born. When was the first time you were able to hold your baby and what was what experience like? As stated above it was shortly after they cleaned him up and checked to make sure he was good . the experience was like no other - so happy - tears of joy.
Did you have one time that stands out in the NICU? After birthing Quinn we were enjoying our restless nights of sleep and very excited we had our baby boy. He was born on 4/18/2020. On 4/20/2020 the day we were supposed to go home - once of the nurses noticed he had a dusty look on his face and as precautionary they checked him out. He then was admitted to the NICU. First time parents we were confused as to why and of course nervous. After analyzing him they recommend him to be transferred from the Matthews NICU to uptown Hemby Bridge NICU. That was an upsetting moment with so many emotions. The travel container to transport was space ship like and Quinn was hooked up to many cords and it was very upsetting to see him on oxygen and feeding tubes. BUT we knew he was in good hands. This was all during COVID and once he was in uptown Charlotte my husband and I could not see Quinn together - it had to be separately and with masks on. For a first time mother and having my hormones out of wack it seemed like all a blur at the moment. Quinn spent 19 days in the NICU before being diagnosed with CHROMOSOME 18q-.
When did you know what your little one would need extra therapies and which ones have been the most beneficial? Through out his new born tests he failed the hearing - multiple times he failed. We were referred to an audiologist. Once confirmed he was hard of hearing. we were automatically enrolled in the NC infant toddler program. Throughout that we then were recommended to PT, OT and then SPEECH.
Do you have any suggestions or coping suggestions for other moms in your position? Facebook groups are a great resource. They were great to post anything you want in asking questions and just meet other moms who were in similar situations. Also its ok to talk about it with a friend or family member - having conversations helps.
What was the biggest challenges that you had to face since being home? I had a baby in January and the biggest challenge I find is making sure I do the therapies with Quinn on a daily. Practicing the OT, PT and SPEECH stuff. It is challenging to ensure Quinn's attention and mine is with him during therapies and also taking care of an infant. As time has passed its getting better and easier.
How did you hear about Bee Mighty and what made you apply? We heard about Bee Mighty through Quinn's OT/SPEECH Therapy Company - Early Bird. We pay with private insurance and it gets expensive - we were referred and applied for the grant.
What does a typical day with your little one look like now? Quinn has grown SO much since being in the NICU. With his Chromosome 18q- diagnosis a huge part would be developmentally delayed. Even though he is developmentally delayed - he has met his milestones at his own pace. He isn't your average 4 year old but he's the best! When he wakes up every morning he just lays there and relaxes - he independently plays for hours on his own and LOVES reading books. He's a great eater and also enjoys drinking his milk. Therapies across the board has helped him out tremendously. Quinn also has been in school (pre-k) and he loves school. Being in school and getting therapies there too have benefited him so much. We have had so much support from all of his doctors, therapists and teachers. Quinn is a loving wonderful boy =)
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