I watched Special Duggar Delivery tonight on TLC and I found myself tearing up on numerous occasions. Watching Jim Bob tearfully determine to continue to praise God during such a difficult time, Michelle looking so ill in her hospital bed, baby Josie’s little kicks in the incubator, and Josh’s reaction to hearing the news about the birth, filled my heart with grief over all the fear and trials they must have experienced. It must be so traumatic to look upon your child, who still should have had four months in your safe womb, struggling to breathe and fighting for life. Josie’s skin was red and her chest heaved with each breath. Her head was the size of a pool ball, as Jim Bob put it. The children silently entered Josie’s room to see her for the first time, whispering over her beautiful, tiny frame. She kept her knees pulled up as though she were still in her mommy’s tummy. It was joyful and heartbreaking at the same time.
Born at just 24 weeks gestation, Josie entered the world much too early. Michelle Duggar developed severe preeclampsia and her blood pressure was reaching fatal levels. She was in danger of suffering a stroke. The only cure for preeclampsia is to give birth. Had they not delivered Josie via emergency cesarean, both her life and Michelle’s life could have been in danger. Initially doctors said Josie had an 80% chance of survival.
It’s amazing how many premature babies’ lives are saved; the survival rates are increasing for younger and younger babies. Though there are many complications associated with being born premature, and the problems don’t stop once the babies come home, doctors continue to find ways to help these babies develop and grow in an otherwise hostile environment.
Do you have any children who were born premature? What was your experience like? How did it change your life?