We need a monitor, STAT!
Nov 17th, 2008 | By Chuck | Category: Highlight, Papa PrattleMy lovely wife has been a nurse for many years. She has always had a fondness for the elderly among us and spent many years caring for them either in their home or at assisted living facilities. She was incredible at this job and eased the heart of many a passing person and their family as they would say their final farewell.
Just over a year ago she switched roles and began working for a local hospital as a NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) Nurse. She was unsure of whether or not the transition would suit her. She had cared for the elderly for so long that the thought of caring for someone on their largely difficult first days of life, instead of their last, was a bit unsettling. I knew she would take to the new role like a pro and after a short introductory period she did just that. Today she loves her job and each and every one of the children she cares for.
If you recall, my wife and I are expecting our third little girl in December. We are currently in our 37th week and everything has progressed quite nicely. The difference with this pregnancy is the new found knowledge my wife has gained on the job. Several weeks ago, week 26 or so, my wife assisted with the delivery of a 26 week old baby. It was a surreal moment as she held this child and considered that the baby inside her was the same age and approximate size.
The process of delivering a child early isn’t an easy one, even from my second person perspective. It was during this process that my wife thought, “Where’s my monitor? Why isn’t their a monitor on the baby inside me? How can I be certain she is doing OK?”. I’m not sure of the specific number but premature births are something like 1% of all births. A thankfully small number, however, this number can seem pretty big when you are constantly immersed in it. Such is the new perspective my wife has gained.
When she shared this thought with me it certainly resonated. She hasn’t become overly concerned for our new little girls safety or health since this awakening but she does look at her pregnancy and the wonders of the body with even more awe than she previously did. As do I.
Knowledge certainly is power when it isn’t scaring the crap out of you.
I told our pediatrician just this past Friday that I’m in a position where I don’t know if knowing too much is a good thing or enough to get us in trouble. Sometimes I prefer oblivious.
Ed (zoesdad)´s last blog post..It’s a Warning
Being pregnant was the most beautiful and scariest time in my life. I could only imagine the scare working in the NICU would give, but then again, I tend to see that it would also give so much hope with how far we have come to have a baby born at 26 weeks and survive..
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My wife spent a lot of years in pediatrics and neonatal as well. During her pregnancy with Michael, she felt the same way: “I need a monitor!” This is why we own an ultrasonic heartbeat locator thingie. As Ed said, a little too much knowledge made for a much more worrisome pregnancy.
tom´s last blog post..Passing It Along
You’re on the downhill slide, and it’s more a reality than ever. Some apprehension is understandable. I know that I would sit for hours with a stethoscope hunting for a heartbeat the closer to our due dates. Good luck and prayers for a quick and easy delivery.
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For me the whole reality of having a baby hit when we saw our ultra sound. It is amazing how experiences opens your eyes. I hope though that your wife’s job doesn’t put too many worries in her head about your baby. I’m really excited for the two of you. Now that I have had one child I get more excited about births.
Orlund´s last blog post..A Dad’s Kind Of Sunday Afternoon
My third just turned three. I remember moments during my pregnancy when the reality hit — hard. (But probably not as hard as it did for your wife.) Maybe it was just that I was so busy raising my two boys, but it took some effort for it to really sink in. I probably wasn’t worrying over all the details like I had with my first, either. (You know, when every decision seemed like a referendum on whether or not you’d be a good parent….)
I remember joking with my OB as we got closer to my due date. “When do you think this baby’s comin’ out for a visit?” she would ask. My reply was always the same. “I’m sure I’ll go into labor after a restful night’s sleep and we’ll be holding the baby by suppertime.” Do you know that’s exactly what happened?
I think three is my lucky number.
I hope it is for your wife as well. Just pass along my advice — think positive. The baby may be listening.
Best to all of you! -MM
Midwest Mom´s last blog post..One Way Ticket to Frugal
Chuck, BLESSED is the word that came to mind when I read this post. (:
Well said. I hope that all goes simply and wonderfully with your new little girl. Knowledge can be such a double edged sword.
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