September 4, 2015, started like any other day-my husband, Michael, and I had taken the day off of work to tour a daycare facility in preparation for our first baby, who was due to arrive in January. I was feeling some pressure that morning, but nothing alarming or painful.
On our third stop on a morning of errands, my water broke completely and unexpectedly in the middle of the grocery store. I had never prayed so hard that I was just experiencing bladder weakness! We rushed to my OB’s office, where she confirmed that my water did break and prepared me for the possibility of labor in the coming days. We were heartbroken listening to our options-none of which were promising at all.
My mother, Maureen Dunn, RN, has been a NICU nurse at Saint Barnabas Medical Center (SBMC) for over 20 years. Even before I was old enough to even consider having children, she insisted that I find an OB that would deliver at her hospital, on the off-chance I needed her NICU. She trusted the doctors and the expert-level care, should I ever need it. It turns out I did.
I was admitted to the antepartum unit, where they found that I was not dilated or in labor. I was hooked up to IV antibiotics for 10 days to battle any potential infections, and my vital signs were checked every four hours around the clock. I also was given steroid injections to mature our baby’s lung development. I was expected to begin labor within 24 hours, but surprising everyone, I lasted 9 weeks and began labor at 31 weeks and 3 days.
After two months in the hospital on strict bed rest, Dominic John A. was born via caesarean section on November 8, 2015, at 4 lb., 6.5 oz. He was born with a partially collapsed lung and not breathing, but considering his prematurity, he was a fairly good size. I’d like to think that because I was a "VIP patient," Dominic was under the best care I could ask for, but it is truly the standard of care for ALL babies in the NICU.
Dominic spent 25 days in the NICU, where he reached milestones every day-from getting his breathing tube out in 24 hours, to coming off of the nasal cannula in a matter of days, and learning to bottle-feed and grow. The doctors and nurses were so supportive and amazed at his progress, and we truly felt like part of the family. We asked question after question and all of our nurses were patient and kind. My husband and I were able to participate in his care by doing kangaroo care, changing diapers, and feeding him. We successfully navigated the wires and monitors and saw through to the miracle baby he was! When I was discharged, leaving the hospital without our baby was bittersweet. I had not been home in so long, but knowing I could call for an update at any time was very comforting. I saved all of the morning emails that came from his nurses, letting us know how well he was doing and saying hello to us!
We could never thank the NICU staff at SBMC enough. Our team, "Dominic’s Dominators" walks and raises money yearly at the Miracle Walk to benefit the SBMC NICU, in the hope that future families can experience the support and expertise that we did.
Dominic is now 2 ½ years old-a monster truck lover who won’t stop running or talking until it’s time to go to sleep! He anxiously awaits the arrival of his little sister in August 2018, who so far has had better luck staying in mommy’s belly than he did!
- Katie A.
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