On March 3rd (34 weeks), we had a consult with
our family coordinator and a neonatologist.
We discussed more about what to expect with Emily’s birth, surgery and
recovery. Earlier that week, a team of
doctors discussed our case and made a plan of action regarding what needed to
be done specific to our baby. It was
decided that it would be best to deliver at 37 weeks, due to the size of Emily’s
head. This was balanced with the need to
wait until full-term when her lungs would be mature enough and she would be
strong enough to handle surgery.
Our
beautiful Emily Quinn will be born on March 24th!!
We were in shock that it was only 3 weeks
away and her birthday would be in March, and so excited and anxious to meet
her! As of right now, that is only 11
days away! The neurosurgeon we met with
is scheduled in the OR beginning that week so she will be the one doing our
baby’s surgery either that same night or the next day (March 25th). We were told ahead of time that a classical
(or vertical) cut is probable since Emily is breech and her head is bigger than
40 weeks. This is disappointing for me
because that means I won’t ever be able to attempt a vaginal birth and
subsequent pregnancies will have to be delivered at 37 weeks for risk of
tearing the old incision. They will try
to do the lateral (or horizontal) cut if they can, so here’s to hoping that
will be the case and I can attempt to avoid a C-section next time!
During the C-section, there will be a team of
neonatologists, respiratory therapists and a team for collecting her cord
blood, as well as doctors, nurses, assistants and Bryan, of course! A lot of people there to meet our baby girl
for the first time!
As Emily grows, neonatologists will assess her development
and determine if she needs occupational therapy , speech/oral therapy or
physical therapy. We want to do
everything we can to ensure that Emily reaches her full potential. It’s humbling how we started this pregnancy
with specific desires and wishes for our baby and now our perspective is
changed forever. I would give anything
for my daughter to lead a life full of happiness, love, laughter and the
ability to think for herself. More than
anything, I want her to be a part of the beauty of life and be able to enjoy
it. Our sweet girl will struggle more
than we ever thought, which breaks my heart because I tried my best to create a
life for her that was easier and healthier than mine. I’ve dreamed about her for as long as I can
remember, and while she will be different than what I’ve imagined, she will be a
beautiful miracle. I hope her pain never
lasts long and her struggles never hold her back.
“And though she be but little, she is fierce.” – Shakespeare
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