I joined March for Babies almost 8 years ago after delivering my daughter, McKynlie, at 29 weeks. She weighted 1lb, 14oz. On Sept 28, 2015, I was put on hospital bedrest at 25+4 weeks due pre-eclampsia. My OBGYN wanted to me stay until I seen the MFM on that following Thursday. That was day, I found out that McKynlie was also had IUGR and intermittent reverse cord flow. Those 2 coniditions alone were very dangerous. My dr felt more comfortable that I stayed on hospital bedrest until delivery. The goal was 36 weeks. They started steriods shots for her lungs, I visted the NICU, and did weekly ultasound scans. At 28 weeks, my nurse came in and told me that the on-call DR wanted me 24 hour monitioring except meals, showers, bathroom breaks, and 20 min wheelchair ride.
On Oct 22, 2015, I was exactly 29 weeks. I went for my weekly ultasound as always on every Thursday. But this one was different. The MFM dr asked had anything changed from last week. I said yes, I have been on 24 hour monitioring. She asked why she wasn't contacted. I told her I wasn't sure. She, then said, well today is the day because if we leave her in another day, McKynlie will not survive. That was at about 12:30, at 3:31 McKynlie entered the world. She had to be vented for about 6 days, then cpap for about month, high flow oxygen until discharged. She struggled with swallowing and feeding. She had more than 9 blood transfusions, MRSA Staph infection, PDA in her heart, issues with her liver.
McKynlie came home on Feb 7, 2016, excactly 1 month after her due date, 107 days later on oxygen. I didn't know the journey we were about encounter but I was ready for the ride. She had numerous hospital stays due to respiratory distress. She stayed on oxygen for 22 months. She still struggle with feeding. At the age 3, we had to get a NG tube placed because she wasnt eating nor gaining weight. She sliently aspirated until age 4 and half. Today, McKynlie is 9 years old. She has severe developmental delay with charactertisics of ASD, severe anixety, oral dysphgia and aversion, asthma, scoliosis and tracheomalacia.
But if you meet her, you would never her story or fight. McKynlie is full sass and strong will. She keeps me on my toes.
With preterm birth rates continuing to rise, the U.S. remains among the most dangerous developed nations for childbirth, especially for women and babies of color.
At March for Babies™ you're lifting up communities, creating connections and taking action to make America a more equitable place and ensure that every mom and baby is healthy.
Together, we’re marching to raise funds and awareness to transform the health of all families!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!