Axxal Matthew’s Story

Site created on June 13, 2019

Monday, June 10th, I went into work for a short time in the morning and I had an appointment with the Maternal Fetal Medicine Clinic at 12:15 p.m. I was also scheduled to have a B.P.P (Biophysical Profile) for the baby. Typically 8 out of 8 is great, this day my little guy scored a 6 out of 8. This means I needed to be monitored. They hooked me up and his heart rate was good but I was contracting about every minute or so. 

Since his birth was supposed to be a planned C-Section on July 1st, the fact I was possibly going into labor was a bit shocking. I also saw my doctor who explained that if nothing progresses or changes then I could go home after I was monitored for 24 hours. I thought this was fair. In the clinic they gave me a shot of something that would help the baby's lungs to develop faster if he was going to be born. I was admitted and put on the monitor. The contractions subsided and everything looked good. 

At about 4:30 p.m. I had sent Matt back home to get some things for myself since I was just going to be observed. 20 minutes later my doctor had the surgical team assembled and I called Matt who still was in Fergus Falls and let him know the baby was coming tonight. They thought at about 6:00 p.m. I'd have the surgery. Matt grabbed what he could with the help of Alayna and on his way he went. 

However, my doctor checked me at 5:00 pm and I had dilated one full ml in about 2 1/2 hrs. Then I started to have terrible back labor. 

Axxal was born at 6:27 p.m. at 7 lbs 2 oz, and 20 inches long.  Matt arrived in the OR at about 6:34 p.m. he was still able to cut the umbilical cord. 

They showed me Axxal and I barely saw him. I heard him cry and that was a sweet sound. It took him a while to come around and I sent Matt to be with him while I was stitched up. 

I was hoping to get to have Axxal room in with me and that I would get to hold him but that wasn't the case. He was put on oxygen, a C.P.A.P. and a nasal feeding tube. I felt helpless, but trusted God and the doctor and nurses were doing the best for Axxal. 

Newest Update

Journal entry by Brianna Stoltenburg

The last few days came with many changes.

On Thursday Axxal was on the CPAP for the rest of the day and over night. They took him off yesterday morning and he has adjusted very well. They also changed his O.G. tube to an N.G. tube so that he could drink from a bottle. We tried breastfeeding, but he isn't ready yet. I'm pumping enough for his feedings so as long as he is getting breast milk I am fine with that. They explained that bottle feeding is so much easier than breastfeeding and once he gets a little bigger he should be fine to nurse. Also, when he drinks the bottle sometimes he forgets to breathe so that's another issue. He also was just shy of a typical Jaundice diagnosis, so he was on the lights all last night and this morning. 

I've been able to be part of his cares as far as some diaper changes and feedings. He eats every three hours so I provide for his feedings. I don't think they have to use the donor milk any longer. I spoke to the Dr. today and he said Axxal might get to go home tomorrow which would make the best Father's Day present for Matt. 

Matt and Alayna came last night to bring me some more clothes and other things I need. I was officially discharged as of last night. I am a "boarder mom" meaning I am able to use a hospital room to sleep in but take care of my own meds, meals etc. 

Alayna spent the night here in the room with me and has been a great help. She loves to hold her little brother and I can tell she'll be so helpful when we all get home. Matt and the rest of the kids are visiting today, so it will be nice to see them, since I haven't see the other girls since Tuesday. 

Axxal might get to be off monitor at some point today and the nurse said she is going to give him a bath which Alayna and I get to be part of. Things are looking up. God is good! 
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