Bradley, shortly after he was born. Born at 30 weeks, weighing 1.6Kg'sOur story:
We were heading for a weekend away with my BIL and sister. They had already arrived and we were on our way. Just outside Nelspruit my membranes ruptured at the time I was 22 weeks pregnant. We found a Dr's office who referred us to the Private Hospital. I was told I would lose the baby. In the meantime we had been speaking to my Dr who advised us to head straight back home and go straight to the hospital. We did that.
When the professionals gave up hope, I refused. I lay there for 8 weeks until cramps put a ding in it and an emergency caesar was performed. The fear was because there was not alot of amniotic fluid Brad could be born with hypoplastic lungs. I think that was the term. The first 24 hours were critical. The little guy had steriods pumped straight into those lungs. It was hard...I did not want to leave his side.
I sat there day in and out. Needless to say the hospital had become our home. We knew practically everyone. I watched the Sydney Olympics in that hospital while Brad was strapped to me - kangaroo care.
I still bump into the Head Sister, Wendy who ran the Neonatal ICU. She was my strength in those early days.
8 years later.............and it's hard to believe the start he had in life. It feels like it was yesterday.
Never give up............no matter what cards you are dealt cause you just never know.
