Margot’s Story

Site created on January 3, 2022

We are using this platform to keep family and friends updated in one place.

When we went to the hospital on 12/29 to deliver baby Margot, we were excited to welcome into the world a punctual baby (totally unlike either of her parents), coming right on her due date, having had a healthy, uncomplicated pregnancy. We didn’t give a thought to the idea that we would have to leave the hospital without Margot, or that we would learn what it means to be NICU parents.

A very quick delivery stressed out Margot, and she aspirated a significant amount of meconium. Lots of babies end up ingesting meconium, but in this case, it coated her lungs and kept them from transitioning from “fetus lungs” to “newborn lungs” that could breathe in oxygen. She was rushed to the NICU, intubated, and started on 100% oxygen and nitric oxide treatment to help her lungs to be able to process oxygen. Margot was diagnosed with Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension in the Newborn (PPHN).

More info on PPHN can be found here: https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/children-s-health-issues/lung-and-breathing-problems-in-newborns/persistent-pulmonary-hypertension-of-the-newborn

We know that there are so many people praying and rooting for our little girl, and we have been getting lots of requests for updates. We want to answer everyone, but most of all, we want to be present during our time with Margot in the NICU. That’s why we decided to make this page. We’ll do our best to update our friends and family here.

We are quickly learning that Margot is in more of marathon than a sprint, and that there are really good days and scary, backslide days as the medical team works to get her weaned off of oxygen and nitric oxide so we can eventfully get her extubated and breathing on her own.

This little girl has her parents wrapped around her little finger, and to be quite honest, it’s been a very rough time on our new parent hearts. We want to hold her and comfort her in the way that parents do, but can’t right now. And that’s okay, because she is right where she needs to be, getting some of the best care in the world. But also, there are days when it feels absolutely not okay. So thank you for bearing with us when we are not as responsive as we would like to be. Know that every prayer and thought and message means so much, and that we are grateful that Margot is surrounded by love and support.

We can’t wait to bring our little Margot girl home.

Newest Update

January 24, 2022

Journal entry by Molly Skawski —

We brought Margot home on Saturday afternoon!!!  A pair of sleepless nights have not dampened our enthusiasm for her homecoming.   Margot has been enjoying her expanded care network of Grandpa and Nana.  Brother Lio is still working to tame his indignation at the new show in town.   Mother Molly has been at Margot's beck and call––a real saint!

We are so grateful for your thoughts, prayers, and generosity.   The outpouring of support has buoyed us in what has been quite a stormy endeavour.   We are optimistic that calmer seas await us. 

Margot has relayed to me, to relay to you, that she looks forward to meeting you.  Cheers!

-Steven

 

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