Not everything that I write on here is going to be pretty, but it will be truthful.
"I went through the labor pains but I didn't go through the pushing.....I
just woke up and my belly was flatter and I was told she was healthy
and in the NICU."
That was one of the first things I wrote after going through a C-Section with Elly. It was only the beginning of the deepest depression that I have ever felt in my life. For quite a while I was very disconnected from my newborn. This time around was different, if you didn't know Elly has an older sister. I guess its something through the pushing process, and feeling something so great come out of you, a tiny human that grew inside you for nine months and you alone bring them into the world.
A C-Section was the last possible option that we wanted. I went into the hospital for my scheduled induction and it didn't necessarily go as planned. It took far to long for me to dilate and after hours of holding on to my goal of another natural birth, it was taken away in an instant. Ellys' heart rate was unstable, every-time I had contraction it decreased significantly. We tried everything to change this. I knelt face forward against the hospital bed, rotated side to side, they even gave me something to relieve the pressure. Nothing worked. Ellys' heart rate dropped suddenly, doctors and nurses flooded my room. I was scared, I know my composed husband had to be scared. I only had a few moments to say a quick prayer with my spiritual mother over the phone, then I was wheeled away swiftly. I could only do what I was trained to do all my life, call on the name of Jesus. "Lord protect me. Lord touch the hands of the doctors" is the last thing I can remember before things got groggy and I was knocked out. I could still here what was going on around me a little bit, but I was completely incapacitated.
There was this nurse...to date, I can't remember her name, but she held my hand through the entire operation. She squeezed it at just the right moments to let me know that everything was going to be alright. I believe that God sends just the right people at just the right time and knows exactly what you need in the moment.
My faith has carried me through these hard months, it is the only thing that brought me out of the depth of depression. I have my moments from time to time where I doubt all that God has done for us, but then I am reminded of the blessing that I have been given in the form of Elly, our Joy.
Najeema
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Monday, April 2, 2012
Southern Michigan Spina Bifida Connection
One of the greatest joys of my life right now is to be apart of a grassroots organization called The Southern Michigan Spina Bifida Connection. Basically we are a Michigan based group, hoping to create awareness and prevention of Spina Bifida in our great lakes state. In the future we also hope to provide financial and emotional support for families affected by Spina Bifida.
On Saturday I had the opportunity to attend a my first official meeting. There were about 17 of us. Some medical staff who work with our kiddos everyday, new parents trying to overcome challenges of day to day life, experienced parents acting in an advisory capacity, and adults with Spina Bifida. It was so encouraging to know that I am not alone in this, and that we are not the only family with questions. You go through a lot having a child with Spina Bifida, and sometimes there is uncertainty. The best way to have peace of mind is to live one day at a time, without thinking about tomorrow. Elly is one of the greatest blessing in my life. I have grown so much as a woman since she was born. I believe I know about my vulnerabilities after having her.
On another note, Southern Michigan Spina Bifida Connection is in the process of planning several different fundraisers right now, but our main event is Rock, Roll, and Bowl which is June 15, 2012 at Drakeshire Lanes in Farmington Hills, MI. This event is a fundraiser to benefit the National Spina Bifida Association apart of their 100 Nights of Parties. It will be an event filled with food, fun, and live entertainment. For ticketing information visit http://rockrollandbowl.eventbrite.com/. We are still looking for corporate, business, and personal sponsors so if you are interested email Morgan at rockrollandbowl@gmail.com or email me directly at najeemat@gmail.com.
To find out more about SMSBC visit our facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/306634406062955/
Najeema
On Saturday I had the opportunity to attend a my first official meeting. There were about 17 of us. Some medical staff who work with our kiddos everyday, new parents trying to overcome challenges of day to day life, experienced parents acting in an advisory capacity, and adults with Spina Bifida. It was so encouraging to know that I am not alone in this, and that we are not the only family with questions. You go through a lot having a child with Spina Bifida, and sometimes there is uncertainty. The best way to have peace of mind is to live one day at a time, without thinking about tomorrow. Elly is one of the greatest blessing in my life. I have grown so much as a woman since she was born. I believe I know about my vulnerabilities after having her.
On another note, Southern Michigan Spina Bifida Connection is in the process of planning several different fundraisers right now, but our main event is Rock, Roll, and Bowl which is June 15, 2012 at Drakeshire Lanes in Farmington Hills, MI. This event is a fundraiser to benefit the National Spina Bifida Association apart of their 100 Nights of Parties. It will be an event filled with food, fun, and live entertainment. For ticketing information visit http://rockrollandbowl.eventbrite.com/. We are still looking for corporate, business, and personal sponsors so if you are interested email Morgan at rockrollandbowl@gmail.com or email me directly at najeemat@gmail.com.
To find out more about SMSBC visit our facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/306634406062955/
Najeema
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