| I was 25 weeks and 1 day when I went into labor. On July 10 I called the doctor about having menstrual-like cramps. I was told to go to the hospital. When I got there I was contracting and 2 centimeters dilated. I was put on bed rest in the hospital for three weeks and sent home at 28 weeks on complete bed rest. At 32 weeks and 4 days I went into labor. When I got to the hospital this time I was 4 centimeters, and my water was leaking. There was no stopping her now. I lay there with the baby�s heart dropping in the 60s. At 8 centimeters and being watched closely they decided to break the remainder of my water. Afterwards they started Pitocin to get me dilated faster because of her heartbeat. Finally, eight hours after I arrived at the hospital I was able to push. I pushed for 20 minutes when she flew out of me. Her cord was wrapped around her neck three times, a true knot in the cord as well. As soon as the doctor removed the cord she began crying. My daughter was a healthy 3-pound, 11-ounce, 17-inch miracle. Her Apgars were 8 and 9. Due to her prematurity, she had to remain in the NICU for two weeks. Her expected time in the NICU was about one month. She beat all odds. My daughter was due on October 22, 2003. She was born on August 31, 2003 and was released from the hospital on September 14, 2003, weighing 3 pounds, 15 ounces. On September 18, 2003, she weighed 4 pounds, 4 ounces. And on September 25, 2003, she is now 4 pounds, 12 ounces and 19 inches long. Dezarae, my daughter, is a healthy 3-week-old and a real fighter. This story was written by Rachelle |
| Dezarae's Birth Story |