My journey with Travis was exactly that a journey…I was put on part-time bed rest at 18 weeks; I was already showing signs of preeclampsia. At 23 weeks I was put on full bed rest at home, with a visiting nurse coming to my home three times a week. Then the day came at my 26 week visit, I was told that I needed to be admitted and would probably be transferred to St. John’s in St. Louis. Three days later I was transferred and told to plan on staying until after delivery which could be tomorrow or ten weeks from now. I’m a pretty positive person so I’m still thinking I’m going to pull this off, I spent four weeks in the hospital with our daughter and delivered at 35 weeks, I can do this, but what little do you remember, you’re not always in control. I delivered Travis at 30 weeks and 3 days; he weighed 3lbs. 3oz and was 16 inches long. He had a rough start, and a few setbacks, lung biopsy, reflex and heart rate drops, but when you are in the NICU staring at your baby you make more deals and promises with God then you would ever imagine. After 89 days in the NICU we got to bring Travis home! We did bring Travis home on oxygen, heart monitor and a sat monitor but we didn’t care because we were bringing our baby home.
Travis is now 9 yrs old, 52lbs and 4ft 3in and still amazes us every day; he loves soccer, baseball, fishing and hunting. Travis wants to be just like his dad; in his eyes his dad is the most amazing man, but what he doesn’t realize he’s the amazing one!
I have been a NICUP for almost 9 years. I do bedside visit on the antepartum floor as well as teaching “Parenting In The NICU” class twice a month, hoping that I can educate parents on what to expect in the NICU environment as well as reminding them that no matter where you are, you are the parent.
Kristin L.
