Meet Whitt

“A reel from Count the Kicks popped up when I was scrolling through Instagram towards the end of December. The video was a story about a mom who noticed her baby kicking less, went in to be examined, and ended up delivering a healthy baby who might otherwise have not made it had she not gone in that day.

I’m a teacher and we had just finished our first semester, so I was excited to be home and spend some extra time with my toddler before his baby brother was due to arrive on April 1. I was 25 weeks and 5 days pregnant when I saw the video from Count the Kicks and I had actually noticed some decreased movement from my baby that day. I continued to monitor his movements that day and the next morning. When I talked with my mom she asked if the baby was moving a lot, and made me think about the reel again and I decided to call and get checked. They suggested I go to the Labor and Delivery unit if I wanted to get checked out. 

The triage nurse said they normally don’t suggest starting to count kicks until 28 weeks of pregnancy, but I just knew something was off about his movements and tiny kicks. They took me back and when they did a preliminary ultrasound, there was still a strong heartbeat, but my baby was totally still. It was a really weird and disturbing sight. 

After that, they did a BPP ultrasound scan that can last up to 30 minutes, which scores the baby’s movements and function. He scored a 6 out of 8, and they admitted me for continual monitoring. Overnight, his heart rate continued to drop, but would bounce back up. 

After 4 p.m. the next day, our vitals took a turn and they ended up delivering him at 5:09 p.m. on Dec. 24 at 26 weeks gestation. He was 1 pound, 7 ounces and was immediately intubated. The nurses told me later that night that he probably wouldn’t have made it had I not come in. 

We had some scares in the NICU — a UTI, NEC stage 1 (a serious gut infection that is one of the leading causes of death in preemies) — but he came home after 111 days in the NICU! He is truly a miracle baby and his pediatrician told me he is the poster child for a 26 weeker success story. He came home off oxygen, taking all his feeds by mouth, gaining weight like a champ, and no other serious complications. He doesn’t at this point show any signs of needing any therapies, which is truly incredible. 

There are so many people to thank for his little life — all our nurses, therapists, and doctors at Washington Regional (Dr. Lightburn was there when he was born and Dr. Luedloff discharged him, but he was cared for by all the fantastic neonatologists there), and we have received so much support from our families and community. I also have to thank you all at Count the Kicks because one of your reels was a huge part of the reason I went in to be seen. 

Remember that medical providers are there to help you. If you have medical professionals who seem like you are bothering them, find another provider. All situations are not the same; even if you are not 28 weeks like you are supposed to be, if you don’t feel right get checked! 

It’s important to advocate for yourself and your baby. You know your body better than anyone else. Don’t be afraid to speak up if something feels weird.” -Kailey M., Whitt’s mom