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We are Brandon and Jill Scott and we are the proud parents of Carter Crew, a March of Dimes miracle. In June of 2015, we discovered that we were going to be expecting our first child. It was the most exciting time of our lives, knowing that in nine short months, the world as we knew it would be changed forever. The pregnancy felt like a dream and was surprisingly enjoyable. After our first thorough ultrasound, I was diagnosed with a condition called placenta previa. The doctors agreed to watch my progress over the next several weeks and we were all hopeful that my body would adjust itself.
A follow-up ultrasound and checkup were scheduled for December 1st. My parents were in town visiting and decided to come to the doctor so they could see Baby Boy Scott during the ultrasound! The ultrasound had been scheduled to check and see if my placenta had shifted in the right direction. We anxiously waited for our doctor to give us the latest update after carefully looking over the ultrasound images, although we knew not to expect any significant changes. It had been discussed in the previous weeks that a cesarean section would be probable if my placenta remained close to the cervix. I will never forget when my dad light-heartedly said to our doctor, “So, how’s that placenta doing?”. Our doctor took a deep breath, looked up at us and said, “Well, about that, we need to talk.”
Thanks to incredible technology, as well as the doctor’s expert knowledge and keen eyes, it was discovered that not only had my placenta not moved up, but there were also exposed blood vessels blocking my cervix. This condition, called vasa previa, is much more rare and holds significant risk for both baby and mother. We were booked for an appointment with a specialist the very next day. After hours of ultrasounds and discussions with the doctors, I was put on modified bed rest and had to be careful not to lift or strain. It was imperative that I not go into labor. As a kindergarten teacher that was going to be a challenge, to say the least. I finished out the month of December at work and then made the decision for the safety of Baby Scott and Mom that I remain home until it was time to deliver. A c-section was scheduled for January 26th, 2016, five weeks earlier than the original due date.
On the morning of January 26th, Brandon and I, along with our families, drove to St. Mary’s for the birth of Carter Crew. Our doctors had prepared us mentally for a variety of potential outcomes once Carter arrived. In my mind I had not expected to hold our son for several days, so when they placed him on my chest I thought my heart would explode with joy. The doctors were hoping that our skin-to-skin contact would help regulate Carter’s breathing, however it was evident within minutes that Carter needed immediate help. He was quickly wheeled away and very soon thereafter received a dose of surfactant. Over the course of the next nine days Carter was lovingly cared for by the incredible doctors and nurses in the St. Mary’s NICU. We spent almost every waking hour in the NICU, but when we left to go home at night we knew we were leaving him in the most capable of hands. The discharge goal was for Carter to be able to breath and eat on his own, which he mastered within several days. It felt like an eternity. After nine days, we were finally able to bring our sweet baby boy home!
We are so honored to be the March of Dimes Ambassador Family for 2016. The work that has been done through the March of Dimes for expectant mothers and their babies is extraordinary and we are forever grateful.
