Elysia born at 30 weeks 3 days

Lives Colorado
January 17, 2015 my water broke when I was only 28 weeks pregnant.



When the nurse confirmed it was PPROM (Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes) she told me I wouldn't leave the hospital until I had the baby. I was put on a three day magnesium drip to stop labor, antibiotics to fight off infection, and had two steroid shots to kickstart Elysia's little lungs.



After the first three days, I moved to the women's wing where I stayed on bed rest at the hospital for two weeks. I was thankful for every day on bed rest, but it was very difficult with a one and a half year old at home and being a kindergarten teacher who had not written any substitute plans!



I had hints of an infection and small contractions about 2 weeks after rupture so we went ahead with the c-section. Elysia was frank breech so I wasn't able to try a vbac.



(My first born was full term but an emergency csection as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck.)



Elysia was born when I was 30 weeks 3 days, she weighed 3 lbs 3 oz and was 15 inches long. We live in Colorado so the altitude made it difficult for her little lungs on top of being premature. She needed cpap for a few days and oxygen for six months. Elysia spent 53 days in the NICU and her biggest challenge was bottle feeding and a slight case of reflux.



She started breastfeeding at 39 weeks right after she came home and is still nursing at almost 12 months. She's a big girl now weighing 19 lbs, crawling, and pulling to a stand!



She has done absolutely amazing this year! Some days were really hard during bed rest and her NICU stay but I always tried to keep a positive outlook and leaned on my faith.



Preemies are such strong babies!