Holidays are extra joyous for mom of premature baby

Sonja Swenson has a lot to be grateful for this holiday season. Her daughter, Mia, who was born nearly three months early, is home and celebrating the holidays with her family.

"My daughter weighed 2 pounds when she was born. It was a terrifying situation," said Swenson, whose two sons Julian, 5, and Toren, 4, were full-term 8-pounders.

During her pregnancy, Swenson experienced a premature rupture of membranes and drove herself to the hospital, leaving her husband home with their boys. She landed on bed rest in Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children for one week. Mia was born on Sept. 22, at 27 weeks gestation.

"I’m a planner and couldn’t believe this was happening," Swenson said.

Mia remained in the neonatal intensive care unit until Nov. 27.

It was an eye-opening experience for Swenson, who had experienced healthy pregnancies, doesn’t smoke and didn’t have in-vitro fertilization, which can increase the risk of premature birth.

"When I was discharged, I had to leave her. It broke my heart to leave her every day," said Swenson, who went back to work as senior vice president of Stryker Weiner & Yokota Public Relations about a month after giving birth so she could save maternity leave for when her daughter arrived at their Kaneohe home.

Swenson says she would not have survived the experience without the support from the NICU staff at Kapiolani. "The nurses offer so much support and comfort. They made the whole ordeal easier. The doctors and nurses were encouraging."

The cozy touches made it more bearable, she said. Colorful coverings for the incubators and handmade caps for the infants created a homey feel.

"There are rows of monitors, ventilators and other sterile and scary hospital equipment. I remember going to visit Mia one day, and the tape used to hold down the feeding and oxygen cords on her face was cut into heart shapes, so she had hearts on each cheek. You can really feel the love, and I think that contributes to the babies thriving there."

The nurses also take photos when the preemies are alert and awake so parents don’t miss these moments, and they encourage parents to help with diaper changes, taking temperatures and holding and feeding the baby, she added.

Mia Progressed each day, and as Swenson explained, every ounce counts when you are a preemie.

"Lucky for us, she hit all of her milestones. She’s still not completely out of the woods," Swenson said.

Mia now weighs about 6 pounds, but during feedings her breathing and coloration need to be monitored. Her swallowing and sucking reflexes are not fully developed.

There will be more milestones, but for now the family can ring in the new year with their welcome addition.

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"Be Well" features inspiring stories of people dealing with challenges. Reach Nancy Arcayna at email narcayna@staradvertiser.com or call 529-4808.