Stacey & Justin Auger were excited about their first pregnancy. Following all their doctor’s advice, Stacey was taking good care of herself, eating well and attending all her prenatal care appointments. They chose not to find out if they were having a boy or a girl because it was one of the true surprises in life to look forward to. Every night Stacey would rest her hands on her growing belly and tell their baby that they couldn’t wait to meet him or her, but that it wasn’t time yet. By all accounts, it was an uneventful pregnancy.
At seven months, that all changed. Stacy was at work and shared wih her close friend that she wasn’t feeling “right”. Her friend calmly suggested that she call her midwife and meet her at the hospital. She was in premature labor and gave birth three long days later. Evan was born 8 weeks early in April of 2009. The next 19 days were a blur of wires & cords, beeping machines, bright lights, plastic incubators, and the constant sound of the NICU doors opening and closing. After the longest 3 weeks of their life, Evan came home on May 4th.
In the summer of 2010, they became pregnant with Joshua. Now deemed a “high risk” pregnancy, all the anxiety of a premature birth and the NICU came rushing back. It wasn’t until after she passed 32 weeks gestation that she was able to relax and enjoy her pregnancy.
As they reflect on their on their preemie story and NICU experience, they recognize their blessings. First and foremost, at having 2 healthy and happy sons. Although 19 days in the NICU was a lot, it is a drop in the bucket compared to the amount of time that so many families spend there. Evan does not have any complications due to prematurity and was able to come home, which is also not the case for so many children. Joshua, the younger son, is a happy and healthy 8 year old. Stacey had high quality pre-natal and postnatal care and a strong family support system. Both her and her husband have secure jobs with good insurance and the flexibility for time off to be able to travel to and from the hospital. They credit the research and support of March of Dimes and the staff at the NICU for the health of their boys.
They volunteer and support March of Dimes to make sure other moms have the same opportunities they did.
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