With our first pregnancy, I was admitted
to LIJ hospital in New Hyde Park on May 29, 2007 for severe pre-eclampsia and IUGR (our baby was under the 10th percentile
in weight). I was told at 24 weeks that our first born was not growing and I needed to be monitored. I spent 21
days at the hospital under vigilant care. I was committed to bed rest to control the blood pressure and swelling. This
was a difficult time for us, but we had such love and support from family and friends that each day passed by and we were
incredibly grateful to keep the baby inside growing stronger.
Pre-eclampsia effects 3-8% of the pregnant population and its cause is still unknown. It was frustrating
trying to figure out why all of this was happening. Our days and nights were filled with questions, living day to day with
this condition. On Monday morning, June 18th, after a weekend of high blood pressures and a weight
gain of 2.5 pounds/day, I was approached by two physicians. I was so scared at what they had to say. They explained
that it was best for the baby and me to be delivered today. I phoned my family. And I was taken to Labor & Delivery. The
blood pressures were up to 180/130 and we knew the time had come to meet our baby.
I cry thinking about that day. Our beautiful baby girl was born at 4:25pm with dad next to me. We got to see
her bundled up for 5 seconds before she was taken away to the NICU. She was so beautiful. Her cry was soft yet powerful.
Our Lives were changed at that point. Although the happiest day of our lives, I am also met with
anguish over questioning if I could've held on longer and given Daisy a better start in life. I pray for her happiness and
strength everyday. We love her to no end.
