Lily ~ Janine and David O'Brien
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Lily was born at around 10:00am on 12 November 2004 at 33.6 weeks prematurity because of a detected vasa previa. Although a low-lying placenta was detected, the vasa previa was not detected at the 19 week test but was detected after mum (Janine) began bleeding at around 30 weeks. An immediate doppler test confirmed a two-vessel vasa previa over the cervix and Janine was hospitalised with bed rest. A decision was then taken to have an elective caesarean at 34 weeks. The operation went smoothly and Lily was born at just under 5 pounds and rather shocked and cross to be out so soon! However, she soon experienced difficulty in breathing and was put under observation in an oxygen hood. Unfortunately her condition deteriorated during the day and at 12:00am that night she was transferred to Intensive Care at the Mercy. Prior to transfer the NICU unit performed a skilled emergency CPAP for which we are very grateful. Upon arrival at the Mercy she was diagnosed as anaemic and at 7:00am she was placed on a ventilator and given surfactant. At around 3:00pm that afternoon (which was the time of our brother's wedding!) she was given a blood transfusion, from which her condition steadily improved until she was able to be discharged after nearly 4 weeks in hospital and in time for Christmas. Now she is a happy 5 month old with no discernable lasting affects and doing all the normal baby things. We feel we are very fortunate that there was bleeding to enable the vasa previa to have been detected at least at around 30 weeks. As a result the condition could be managed prior to labour. We are very grateful for the expert care Lily received. We also support the pursuit of the Foundation's protocol and believe that doppler testing ought to be carried out as a matter of routine, given that there is no additional cost and it can ensure that vasa praevia's are detected and managed early. I hope the story of our "miracle baby" can support these endeavours. Janine, David and Lily O'Brien |