Well you may have noticed that I haven't been around for the last week. Some of you know why. Actually if you have read my previous blog post then you will all know why! Yes we have a new little grandson. A teeny, tiny, unbelievable small grandson. It has been a very worrying week.
It began last Friday with a phone call from Coralie telling me that Verity's waters had broken and that she was on her way into Addenbrookes hospital in Cambridge. I was out of my mind with worry. This was way too early she was only 30 weeks. We soon had word that she would need to be transferred elsewhere as there was no NICU (Neo Natal Intensive Care Unit) cot available at Addenbrookes, the unit was closed because it was full. At that point they were thinking that she would be moved to Norwich, some 100 or so miles away.
Luckily they spoke to Coralie who was actually working that night and she knew there was cot on her own unit in Peterborough so eventually an ambulance transfer was arranged and Verity arrived at Peterborough City Hospital at 3.30am. When she arrived Coralie was free having delivered twins a few hours before so she was able to take over her sisters care which was wonderful for all. It also meant that Coralie was updating me on the situation right through the night.
They were not initially sure sure if labour had started or not. She was given drugs to stop labour plus the steroids to mature the babies lungs. They also gave her a massive dose of antibiotics because of the risk of infection.
At that point Coralie told us that if labour didn't start it would probably be in the next 48 hours. However providing labour didn't begin the protocol would be antibiotics until it does and visits to the hospital every 2 days for blood tests in the hope that they could get to 37 weeks.
Saturday was pretty much the same and we went to visit her in the afternoon. Both her and Steve were very calm although they must have been so worried. On Sunday she was having some cramps but only every now and then. There was still no sign of labour beginning and we were beginning to think she was safe and would hang on. Coralie must be a good midwife because she told us that it would be very soon. She kept saying that even when a different consultant discharged Verity on Monday afternoon. At that point the consultant was hoping to be able to get her to 34 weeks.
It wasn't to be. Labour began around 3am and she went back into Addenbrookes where fortunately she was allowed to stay as they now had the necessary NICU cot available. Baby had gone from lying transverse to being breech (bum down for those that don't know) and he was sort of wedged in her pelvis so they decided to prep her for theatre.
The poor girl had such a traumatic time. It took 3 attempts to get an epidural in and by the time they had they suddenly realised that not only was she fully dilated but he was half way out! So long story short, she had someone pushing him back up the way he had come and someone else pulling him from the other side! This resulted in a baby black and blue with bruising and a very, very nasty incision for Verity.
But we must be grateful that they are both OK. Little Jackson is a strong little man. He came out breathing on his own and was very quickly moved to NICU which Coralie told us was good news as they don't move them until they are stable. Coralie was there having caught the train at 5am. Once again it was wonderful to know that she was there with her sister and was able to keep us updated every 15 minutes or so. Thankfully it was Simon's day off so we got up and just waited for news.
Jackson was born at 6.36am and weighed just 3lbs. A decent size actually but he looks incredibly tiny when you see him. Simon and I went that afternoon and after having 20 minutes with Verity which was ten minutes longer than they said we could have, Steve took us up to the unit to meet his son. I went in first as only 1 person can go in at a time with a parent. I held it together, didn't cry, not then. I wanted to be strong for Steve. He is SO SMALL. I have never seen anything as small. His arms are the size of Steve's fingers. Simon made a joke that the chicken we had for dinner the day before was bigger and he was right!
So here we are 3 days later. How can he be 3 days old already? Verity is doing well but is in quite a lot of pain. She will probably be allowed home soon. Maybe tomorrow or the weekend. Jackson is doing great so far. He is on CPAP ventilation but is continuing to do well with his breathing. All other signs are looking good so far. We are all very aware of the roller coaster ahead. At this point in time it is very early days. They have been told to expect around 10 weeks before he can go home. The general rule of thumb is the due date but they must also weigh 5lbs. Some babies do well and are home sooner and some take longer.
I would like to thank those of you that knew what was going on and kept our family in your prayers right over the weekend and beyond. I think it goes without saying that little Jackson could use all the help he can get right now so whatever it is that you do, prayers, good wishes, positive thoughts, all will be more than welcome right now and in the coming weeks and I thank you for them in advance. As always I know that all of you will be there as a constant support.
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