In Honor of Prematurity Awareness.. Blakelyns Mommy When I found out that I was going to be a mommy for the first time, I was overcome with joy but with that also came a little anxiety and fear. I had a great pregnancy. Yes, I still got a little sick here and there, but no health problems. I did everything I could to assure myself that I was doing everything right for my daughter. I was pleased, doctors were pleased, it was going to be great. I had planned on doing all the “normal” new mommy things like breast feeding, kangaroo care, diaper changing, all the fun stuff. Then on March 12, 2013, my world was turned upside down. I had been in a lot pain 2 days prior to having my little bundle of joy. Being a first time mom, I had no clue what was going on. Thinking I was just having a little Braxton Hicks, I decided not to go see the doctor. He was so far away and all my appointments had been great. Tuesday came and I was still hurting. My contractions were 5 minutes apart so my mother-in-law insisted I go see the doctor. I did not take any of my belongings with me, since I knew I would be right back home. We arrived in Talihina around 8:30am and by 9:00am, we were making phone calls telling everyone I would be having the baby that day. I was already dilated to a 4 and there was not stopping her. I was in utter shock. I could not believe what was happening.. why me? This was not my plan. March 12, 2013 at 2:15pm, Blakelyn Dawn Gentry made her grand appearance weighing 4lbs and 13oz. As soon as I heard that first cry, I feel in love. She was perfect, God’s gift to me! They let me kiss her little cheek and then whisked her off. It was two hours before I got to see her, and when I did, it is an image I will never forget. Here is my tiny newborn little girl, in a transport incubator, with wires and tubes everywhere. It hurt my heart so much to see her like that. My mind was racing as was my emotions. They soon transferred her to Mercy Fort Smith under the care of Dr. Coloso. The very next day, against doctors orders, I was released 14 hours after having my daughter. I could not bear to be away from her any longer. I soon arrived to the N.I.C.U. in Fort Smith were I was greeted by all the nurses and Dr. Coloso. They let me know everything that was going on. I was so overwhelmed but knowing that I could just be close to my daughter made all the difference in the world. Blakelyn’s lungs were a little under developed and she was having bradycardia (this is when the heart rate keeps dropping). I immediately signed up to stay at the Ronald McDonald Family Room Fort Smith. This was my safe haven, my home away from, my blessing. By using the Family Room, I was able to be there every step of the way for my sweet baby girl. They fed me, let me laundry, take showers, and sleep.. just steps away from Blakelyn. Blakelyn was in the NICU for 30 long days. A true roller-coaster of good and bad days. It was one of the hardest times in me and my husband’s life. But we made it..all thanks to the wonderful NICU staff and Family Room at Mercy Fort Smith.. Blakelyn is now 19months and full of energy. She is currenly in gymnastics and loves every minute of it. I have to say being a mommy to preemie is a life changing experience that only mommy’s of preemies understand.
Posted on: Fri, 07 Nov 2014 17:25:20 +0000
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