Tuesday 13 January 2009

The Arrival of Phoebe Hope Kingsley-Smith

Phoebe Hope Kingsley-Smith was born on Monday 12th January at 4:40am weighing 894 grams (2lbs); She spent approximately 26 weeks and 2 days in Laura's womb which isn't enough, so was rushed (as expected) straight into the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit).

They soon discovered that she had a very low blood count following a blood loss during delivery and they weren't too sure if this was a loss back to Laura (via the placenta) or to the brain or another internal bleed. She was put straight onto a respirator, antibiotics, and they put lines into her bellybutton to deliver various different drugs.

The doctors were very concerned about Phoebe in her first 24 hours as she had very low blood pressure, which was a huge concern as it could mean her vital organs being starved of oxygen... the long term effects of this could be very serious. Fortunately she responded well to durgs (Dopamine) and they were able to bring her blood pressure to a level that they are happy with.

Within the first 24 hours they also did an ultrasound of her brain to see if there was any bleeding there (which they didn't see any evidence of) and her heart; The ultrasound of her heart showed that she had Patent ductus arteriosus which is aparently very common in prem babies, and they advised us that this would either sort itself out, or would sort with a dose of Aspirin, OR surgery!

All in all, the doctors initial impression of Phoebe was that she was pretty poorly, although they were impressed at her size (she's definately got Laura's genes) and they think she's got some fight in her! There will be a video and some more updates coming very soon...

Phoebe minutes old, and in a plastic bag to keep warm
Phoebe's first respiratory tube
Phoebe on the weighing scales (less than a bag of flour)
A couple hours old... Getting comfortable in her new surroundings, and holding mummy's hand for the first time!
Although her legs are scrunched up, she's still only about 3 times the size of my blackberry!

2 Comments:

Jessica said...

Phoebe is so adorable! You are lucky to have her and Gracie. Someday I want to work in the NICU.

-Jessica :)

Jessica said...

Phoebe is a little miracle! I wish I could take care of her. :*