An IUGR Journey (Intrauterine Growth Restriction)
Three years ago in March, I was 28 weeks pregnant with our 4th child. I knew at that time that I hadn't gained much weight and I certainly didn't look I was in my third trimester...two months maybe, but not 7.
I was battling a Chronic Lyme infection as I did the last 15 years prior and was on heavy doses of antibiotics as well as lots of pain & sleeping medication - yes, while pregnant...it was what the doctors said was my only choice for survival for both me and the baby. However, it came to a point where I was so sick on those meds that I finally decided to stop them all together. If you know of someone or maybe deal with Lyme yourself, you know the pain I am speaking of. You can see the symptoms HERE. I dealt with 90% of them.
On March 18, 2013, 28 weeks pregnant, my water broke in the middle of the night. You can imagine my surprise when I woke up in a puddle of liquid...but also imagine the panic. This wasn't suppose to happen. I immediately called my doctor and they told me to wait until the morning and head to their office. I met them at the office at 8am and they agreed that my water had broken and that I needed emergency medical treatment right away. I was rushed to the hospital where they started an IV drip with magnesium to stop the contractions...I don't remember much about this portion because of all of the meds they put me on but they were able to stop labor (praise the Lord...) and moved me to the High Risk Unit where I would spend the remainder of my 40 weeks of pregnancy...let's count that - TWELVE WEEKS!
I was a mother of 3 children at the time and wife to an incredible man. My husband I ran a graphic design business as well as homeschooled our children so you could imagine our panic...
Long story short, after a multitude of tests, ultrasounds, etc. and 6 weeks in the hospital, I was sent home because miraculously, my bag of water had sealed and I was producing more fluid...or so they thought. Two days later Asher was born.
On April 30, 2013, a 2lb 7oz baby changed our lives forever.
At this point, we met with a countless doctors and nurses who gave us a grim reality...
He most likely will never walk, talk, and will never be like a "normal" child.
Because of our strong faith and trust in God, we were able to persevere. Asher should have spent the next 3-5 months in the NICU but instead blew everyone away.
"Though he was tiny, he was mighty"
He very quickly earned the name "OVERACHIEVER" and passed all of his tests with flying colors. In three weeks, he was released from the hospital at a chunky
3lbs 11oz
Bringing him home was quite an adjustment for me. Not only did I have to breastfeed every two hours but I also had to pump every two hours alternating - you got it...every hour feeds. I was exhausted as this had to go on throughout the night as well.
It took Asher FOREVER to grow. At a year old, he was still only 10lbs. We started using some essential oils as someone suggested to support his growth as well as his immune system and WOW. He started growing like a weed! He started WALKING after his 2nd birthday, running shortly there after.
Asher is now THREE years old and blowing everyone away with his smile, love and happiness. Oh, and he is finally the size of his peers! We are so proud of our little fighter and couldn't be more blessed.
