the first few hours...

Ashleigh and Burton had been told that as soon as the baby was born a breathing tube would be placed to help the baby breathe even if he was breathing on his own. The first few minutes after his birth were taken up with his task. He pinked up right away and started to move his tiny little arms and legs. A few minutes later he peed for the first time. Those first minutes seemed like an eternity but then the words "your baby is doing good" were announced and the whole room started to breathe easier. Linden was moved over to the NICU right away to attach monitor and iv lines. One of the first things the doctor noticed is he really seemed to look and act more like a 29 week old baby than 27. He asked if the dates were accurate and they were but little Linden was already trying to pull on the breathing tube. The plan was to try and take the breathing tube out and place him on CPAP (it attaches over his nose and helps push air (and oxygen) into his lungs to help with his breathing. What an incredible baby! They also placed a feeding tube into his stomach through his mouth (to feed formula and breast milk) and an iv for fluids and supplements. Only a few hours old and already been through so much but really showing how strong a baby he really is.

he's here!

Linden Elliott arrived April 29th at 8:03pm. Born at 27 weeks, weighing 2 pounds 13 ounces and 37cm long he's bigger and feistier than anyone expected!

the story: part three

Thursday morning the contractions were stronger and five minutes apart. The decision was made to move Ashleigh back downstairs to the labour and delivery unit. At 2-3 cm the thought was maybe the baby would be born today. After a few hours and a visit from the doctor they were told this could go on for a week. Once again the contractions settled down and only increased with getting up to the bathroom (every 20 minutes). Around three in the afternoon the contractions picked up a little but were infrequent. At 5:30pm things really started to pick up. At 6:30 Ashleigh was wanting something for the pain, the doctor checked her just before 7pm and she was 9cm already. The baby was definitely coming tonight! Ashleigh did a terrific job through the labour and the most adorable baby was born at 8:03pm! As soon as he was born he was brought over the the warmer in the room where the neonatoligist(premature baby doctor), respiratory therapist and nurse were waiting to help him. It took a few minutes to find out if he was a boy or girl! It was boy! Linden Elliot 2pounds 13 ounces and 37cm. Precious and beautiful.

the story: part two

After a few hours of sleep Ashleigh woke up again Wednesday morning with increasing contractions. They started the iv fluids and again the contractions slowed down a bit. As the day progressed it seemed the contractions were mild unless Ashleigh needed to get up and use the bathroom (which was every 15-20 minutes) with all the fluids running into her. At 3:30pm she had an ultrasound to check on the baby and see if there was any further dilation (1cm on Tuesday). Good news! The baby looked great, gave a high five in utero and Ash was still only 1cm. She got another steroid shot for the baby's lungs and continued the iv fluid and antibiotics through the night...

the story: part one

The story of Linden's arrival into the world started Tuesday morning April 27th. Ashleigh had been feeling a little crampy off and on since Saturday but that morning it was more intense. After a quick visit to her doctor's office she was directed to Ridge Meadows Hospital for some monitoring to see if she was in labour. The monitors did show she was in early labour so they started her on iv fluids (sometimes dehydration can bring on premature labour) iv antibiotics (just in case a hidden infection was bringing on the labour) and gave her a steroid shot to help with the baby's premature lungs. Ashleigh was transported by ambulance to Royal Columbian Hospital were they could deliver a 27 week old baby if needed. Tuesday afternoon the contractions started to increase in intensity and frequency and it looked like the baby might be born at 27 weeks 2 days. A NICU nurse came into the room and talked a bit about what a 27 week old baby would look like, what equipment would be needed to help the baby and showed a photo book of a 27 week old baby born last year. Everything was happening way faster and sooner than expected. Around 6pm they started the iv fluids back up that had been stopped since her transport. The contractions started to slow down considerably. Around 10pm they decided Ashleigh could be transferred out of the labour and delivery unit and upstairs to the maternity floor. After midnight she was moved upstairs into a 4 bed room and found out Burton would have to go home that night....