My New Baby Weighed Just 3 Pounds, 8 ounces...
Posted: Saturday, January 10, 2009
by Myla Madson
Myla Madson.com
"My new baby weighed just 3 pounds, 8 ounces. As I entered the NICU to see him, the whole world seemed to stop. I looked around at the other new moms, some crying, some locked in their own nightmare, staring like zombies at their tiny babies, locked away from them in their isolettes, struggling to stay alive. There was no sense of joy, celebration, or smiles on these mother's faces, only worry, fear and tears of sorrow.
And you knew deep in your heart, some of the babies would not make it. Connor, my precious little fighter, had been delivered seven weeks early, but there were others who had come even sooner and were so small their frightened parents were not even permitted to hold them. What contact they did have was brief and full of trepidation, not knowing if it would be for the last time ... that was the real nightmare.
My son had a common preemie condition called Bradycardia, also known as Infant Apnea, where he would stop breathing for no apparent reason and I would have to quickly stimulate his little body to get him to take a breath. I would cry for hours because I was so frightened for him; he was so tiny and helpless and I would pray for God to watch over my baby so he would make it through the night and I could be with him again; the fear and heartache was unbearable.
I was, however, able take comfort in the realization that without the advances in modern medicine, the stories for most of us there would have ended in tragedy. I was truly thankful for all those that had come before us and had given back to help raise the funds necessary for the research, the state of the art facility, and the amazing doctors and nurses who now saved so many new lives, as well as the lives of the families affected by premature births."
I had to stop the interview at that. I had the sudden urge to go hug my children and drop to my knees to thank God for sparing me the pain so many other mothers and fathers had felt, watching helplessly as their tiny babies fought to live, the uncertainty of whether tomorrow might perhaps be even worse than what they were now dealing with today ... or if there would even be a tomorrow for their child at all.
I was recently contacted by Nikki and Ryan Hawkins to see if I would possibly help them spread the word about a walk they were doing with the March of Dimes (known also as the March for Babies) to help raise money for continuing research and support for this growing problem that effects 1 in every 8 births.
After hearing their story I said I would do what I could to help, but it wasn't until the full effect of the unimaginable horror these families go through had actually sunk in that I decided I would try and do more than "just help".
I wanted to write an article about this so others could sponsor Nikki and her husband on their "March for Babies" campaign, but I also wanted to make the point of how wonderful and amazing it is that so many people will commit themselves to a cause that has helped them and their families so others can in turn benefit from it in the future as well.
Nikki could have just taken the help and support she received from the March of Dimes, been thankful it was there, and then moved on with her life after she knew her child was out of the woods and on the path to recovery. But she hasn't, and I think we should all be thankful for those people who go on to try and raise awareness for so many important causes, allowing you, me and our children to live healthier, happier and fuller lives.
These saints do not seek fame, fortune or accolades for these efforts. They do it because it is the right thing to do, and in a time of such economical upheaval, crime, war and myriad other terrible events, the Nikki and Ryans of the world warm my heart to such a degree that it inspires me to do my part to help how ever I can and hold on to the fact that there are so many good things going on in this world, despite what those in the media may have us believe.
Connor recently celebrated his first birthday, and although it has been a hard fought battle, he is on his way to living a normal and happy life. I would hope that you will take the time to visit Nikki and Ryan's March of Babies website to offer your words of encouragement and possible sponsorship of their upcoming walk.
They have committed themselves to this cause and are doing everything in their power to raise funds for the organization that has given them the opportunity to share a hug and a kiss every night with their son and to realize the dreams every parent has for their unborn child.
What an amazing article. I will visit the website and pass it on.Thankyou very much, and thanks for the positive comments!
Thank you so much for this article, and good luck to you and anyone else faced with this heartbreaking situation.
Thank you!
Every once in while we wonder if there are still people out there left with any kindness and concern for the fellow citizen and I happen to stumble upon your article today and it has given me hope that there are still people out there, and one of those people is you Myla.
I, stayed a while and read the rest of your articles. Myla I must say you are as bright as the moon. You shine with the light of a million heavenly stars with your kind heart and humor.
You made me cry, you made me smile, you made me laugh and you gave hope to many and have touched our hearts. My hearts thanks you for your generous spiritand for passing the kindness and generosity and sharing such a touching story .MADJGNLAW....Your so very sweet to have left this message. You have a very familiar style of writing and I believe we may have crossed paths before. Thankyou so much for all the positive words!
I too will kiss my girls tonight and thank God they are with me and I too will say a prayer for all the parents and little ones suffering. God bless.As will I, each and every night. Thank you for the comments!
This is so important, thank you for writing the article.You are certainly welcome, I was only to glad to do it!
Thank you Myla for helping my Daughter Nikki & Ryan spread the word about March for Babies. I was scared myself as a Grandmother walking into the NICU and seeing my tiny little grandson hooked up on machines, any alarms going off just made our hearts jump, not knowing if will he be o.k. is the worst. Nikki was extremly sick herself, i was a scared of losing both my daughter & grandson. Due to the modern medicine that was available for these situations, they both are just perfect. My daughter and Ryan are both fighters, and both believe in doing the right thing. That's were Connor get's his strengh from. He's been a fighter from Day One! Nikki & Ryan started this mission last year, and i remember her telling me "Mom, i'm so thankful for what the Angels (Nurses) in the NICU did for my son, I'm going to give back, and make a difference. She has, i couldn't be so proud of all of them. Thank you again Myla, you are a Angel youself.You're so welcome and i cannot tell you how happy I am for you all. it was an honor to try and tell your story and I hope the word gets out and people join your brave daughter and her husband in what they are doing to try and give back to the organization that helped them through this scary time. Take care.
I am a Registered Respiratory Therapist in a level III NICU. A worthy cause indeed.Thank you for all you do to help these brave souls. It is so important to be treated with dignity during tough times and to know that someone you love so much is in capable and caring hands!
Excellent cause and article Myla!I experienced my youngest going through 4 surgeries before 18 months of age with three being open heart.May God bless you and Nikki always.Thank you for the comments Michelle. i can't imagine what you might have gone through. I hope things are going as well as they can be. Thankyo for the kind words, have a wonderful weekend!
Thank you for writing this article!
Hi Myla this was a touching story and one with a happy ending. I too know a part of what you went through. My son Jake was 3lbs born and stayed in SCBU for 10 days, he is now 6ft tall and is 17st body builder, and his job a computer technician. He went from little to being bigger than big. You and yours keep well
Kacy
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