
By Palmdale resident Desire Jefferson Wright
I went to Antelope Valley Hospital on 12-11-12, because I was [19 weeks and 6 days pregnant and] having vaginal bleeding with mucus. I was told I was having a threatened miscarriage and I had a urinary tract infection and that I should just go home and put my feet up.
I was at home a little over an hour when I went to use the bathroom because I thought I had to have a bowel movement. I got ready to wipe myself and I felt like a ball was between my legs. I took my hand and felt down there to feel a ball that was wet. At this point, I am nervous, so I took a compact mirror and looked between my legs to find a grayish ball protruding from my “private”.
At that moment, I was scared, so I tried to keep the ball in and I dialed 9-1-1. I laid on my bed until the paramedics arrived. When they did, they rushed me back to the W.I.P [Antelope Valley Hospital/ Women and Infants Pavilion] to get checked out.
Come to find out, I was six centimeters dilated! The doctor told me and my husband that our baby would not live, because they don’t save babies born before 24 weeks gestation. The doctor said I had an incompetent cervix, so the next time I got pregnant I needed to have a [Cervical] cerclage done. My husband and I were shocked by how rude the doctor was – to just tell us our baby was going to die and the next time we needed to have a procedure done that we both have never heard of!
At that time, I was placed in an antepartum room. A baby warmer was brought into the room, because the doctors and nurses were convinced my baby would not live. Various doctors came and talked to us about what we wanted to do with our baby when the baby was delivered. We told them we didn’t know; that we were still in shock over the whole ordeal.
At that time, the doctor decided to put me in a transverse position to see if I could get some pressure off my cervix, even though they were convinced my baby would be born that night and not live. I was 19 weeks and six days pregnant, and it was too early for the baby to be born and survive.
That night turned into weeks. I made it up to 23 weeks and two days pregnant. I was laying in the hospital for almost a month with the doctors coming in every day with no hope that my baby would survive.
On January 4, 2013, my daughter was born, weighing 470 grams [1.03617 lbs.]. Everyone was surprised that she was breathing and had a great color, being born so early.
She was rushed to the NICU [Neonatal intensive care unit], where she stayed for almost three weeks. She had to be airlifted to UCLA Medical Center, where she remained for the rest of her recovery. My daughter was discharged home on June 22, 2013.
My daughter is a true miracle, and she is a true fighter!
She is seven months old now and is doing great. She has some lung issues and has to learn to take the bottle again, but overall, despite what she has been through, she is amazing. She does not have many of the medical conditions that come with prematurity. She was so tiny that she was not a regular preemie, she was a micro preemie.
I want everyone to know my story. God is the only one who decides who lives – not the doctors! Doctors may be professionals, but they also can make mistakes. Not every case is the same.
My baby girl is a true, true miracle baby. She brings joy to me, my husband, and my family’s hearts every day!
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Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The AV Times.
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Marion says
Just read the wonderful account of your beautiful baby’s “journey” and she is truly a testimony of the goodness and faithfulness of God Almighty! I pray that all people will come to know and understand that God is the author and giver of life, not the author of death.
lulu belle says
They thank doctors when someone lives and blame God when someone dies. How precious is that little girl? Just remember all this when she asks for the car keys as a teenager. LOL She will grow to be someone important some day….
Desire says
You are very right about what you have said. I know that everyone is not religious and some may not be a believer in god but I do know he exist and thats because he saved my baby girl life..so you are right she is definitely destined for something great in life
Dana Williams says
Aww look at her! She is so beautiful….only God can make this happen!! She is a fighter and she is truly a blessing from above!! U take care of the lil baby and I hope to meet her soon!!! Love auntie n Congrats to the both of you!!!
Desire says
Hi auntie thanks very much for reading her story I am so thankful for her she is a true blessing. And I am glad to have Charles in my life for a supporting husband. I also cant wait for you to see her.
cynthia says
DESIRE, GOD HAS BLESSED YOU AND YOUR HUSBAND WITH A BEAUTIFUL BABY GIRL A WONDERFUL MIRACLE …….
Desire says
Thank you very much yes indeed god is a wonderful god and I thank him everyday for my miracle baby
John says
It’s too bad that some doctors “play god” but don’t believe in God! He is the true healer.
Desire says
John you make a really good point. But I guess because they have degrees they feel they know everything. I mean I respect them for saving lives and helping people who needs the help. But I still will always say just because you have a degree does not give them the right to say whether a person shall or will die without doing what they can to save them first.
Scott says
She’s beautiful!! I am so glad to hear she is doing so well. I wish all of you nothing but health and happiness
Desire says
Scott thank you so much for your comment. She is a true fighter she has been from day 1. And I am truly blessed to have this precious baby in my life.
Guz says
GREAT STORY, thank you for sharing!
My wife and I have a similar story, but may you always KNOW and BELIEVE God is a great God and allow his Will to be done.
May the Lord continue to Bless you and your family!
dumbandblind says
….yet thousands were allowed to die in Syria with no outrage from you.
Up2here says
Your remark and opinion is not wanted on this forum. It about this miracle child. Shame on you!
Desire says
Up2here thank you very much…and to the ignorant person posting stuff that has no relevancy to my story go post your hatred and ignorance on another site that sees the same light as you do.
Desire says
Your display name says it all DUMB please do not come on this website and post negative comments. The story that I have shared is meant to educate as well as help others that has experienced the same or similar to that I have been through. My baby is a miracle no matter how you feel please keep your judgement to yourself
lulu belle says
You don’t have to defend yourself to anyone. If we could prevent others dying we would, you would. Just ignore those remarks.I too had a premature daughter at 3lbs, and today she holds 3 college degrees one of which is a Masters in Business.
Desire says
You are absolutely right :) I will not waste my energy on the negativity. And wow that is great to hear about your daughter so now I’m sure no matter what my little one is going to conquer her dreams
Desire says
Guz thank you very much I hope that all is well with you and your wife and your family. This is why I decided to tell my story because I know that their are many others like yourself who can relate to my story.
TN says
my “daughter” was born at 22 weeks 4 day an the same was said for her she is 7 years 4 months and 2 weeks old now she started 2nd grade monday, she has lung problems, bowl problems, get sick easy but is a true blessing from GOD, last your she had a brother born 24 weeks 2 days, paralized dihafram which led to him only haveing 3/4 of a lung on one side but is not a little over a year old! Know that your story is heard and you are not alone hun, every day with your child is a true blessing and miracle :) GOD and his ANGEL’s are watching over you!
Desire says
TN Wow well you obviously know all to well like myself how difficult this time was. And you had to go through it twice. God bless you and your little ones. God is the only one who can decide whether these precious little premies will survive or not. I just rally believe that their needs to be more research on these little angels.
Rooney says
There is always hope when God is in our lives! My dad was born in 1909 at 1.5 lbs. and my mom in 1918 at 2 lbs. My grandmother put my mom in the wood stove to keep her warm. I was shocked to hear this and happy because they were the best parents. They adopted me at 3 weeks old. God is Good!
Desire says
Wow that is a great story. I couldn’t imagine living in those times and having to resort to putting my baby in the stove to keep warm. Your grandmother sounds like a amazing woman.
Rooney says
Oh, what a wonderful story and I’m so glad your baby girl is doing so well. She’s so cute and cuddly. A lot of doctors have a terrible bedside manner and yours obviously did. Thank the Lord that he was wrong.
The Lord has plans for her. Congratulations to you and your husband. You both are truly blessed. :)
Desire says
Thank you very much and yes the doctor(s) was not that professional. I mean I don’t care if every case they had something tragic happened to that premie I will continue to say that every case is not the same and they need to have better approach when it comes to their patients especially pregnant mothers who are happy to be having a baby and not for the doctors to come in very rudely say “yeah your baby will die” that is not cool
Up2here says
I agree. Last Nov. My ex was put in a hospital nearby for pneumonia. Because of lack of care in the emergency room, he had a heart attack and nearly died. All the specialist talked about was pulling the plug and I refused. We got into it and today my Ex is at home and going dancing. Never give up!
Desire says
Oh wow see this is what I have been saying in the end the doctors are not the deciding factor. Our faith in God and God himself is the deciding factor. I am glad to hear your ex/friend is doing better
AVGirl says
So happy to hear that your little girl is doing well and thriving !!
My daughter was also a preemie. The Dr’s and nurses told me the day I had to have labor induced do to dangerously high blood pressure that she would only be 2-3 lbs and would need to stay in NICU for weeks. She was born 6 weeks premature and weighed in at just under 5 lbs. Zero health problems I am happy to report. She actually went home the next day.
Desire says
It is good to know that you had a healthy baby. Being born early for these babies come with many challenges and medical conditions that we just have to take care of as parents. But for the babies that are born and have minimal complications or medical conditions is just a blessing. For any moms like us that has experienced having babies born early I say we are very strong women who will go to the end of the earth to make sure our children are ok
monique says
I love reading stories like this.I also had a micro preemie who was born at 23 weeks dr told me the same thing he is now a very handsome smart 8 year old with no medical problems. He is truely my miracle.
Desire says
Thanks for reading my story I am glad you can relate to me as you stated you also had a 23 weeker. I can tell you these small babies are striving to live and we can never know how their outcome can be unless doctors start making some efforts to try and save these little ones. I know I am truly blessed with my daughter and I will spend the rest of my life telling her story. And I am glad your son is growing up to be a healthy young boy.
Up2here says
That is awesome. How wonderful! Bless him. :). As I said, God is good!
My friend... says
My friend went to AV Hosp. 2 years ago with “female” pains and spotting. She was told she needed a D&C. She waited to see her own Dr. who discovered she was pregnant with twins! Her daughters were a beautiful, if unexpected, blessing.
Always, always get a second opinion. Dr’s are only human, after all.
Desire says
Yes it is always best to get a second opinion because medical professionals can make mistakes also. I just feel like the doctors should not take every one situation the same because everyone situation is not the same and should be treated accordingly.
Elena says
My husband was a micro preemie born in 1983. He, like your daughter, had none of the problems that many preemies are born with. His parents named his Matthew because it means, “Gift from God.” Thank you for sharing your story and your faith. :)
Desire says
Wow thats a amazing story considering back then they did not have the technology or equipment like they have now to help premies survive. That goes to show that the strength of God lives in us all.
Onaka collier says
Hearing your story and going through something similar is a true testament that God is Real and to only have Faith in him
Of course the Dr.s have to give you all the information that they have on a situation, some just need better bed side ettiquett. This. So happy that lil Charlaye was sent for a purpose and she proved the Doubters wrong!!
Desire says
Yes AMEN to that. Going through a difficult pregnancy is hard on any mother and I am thankful for my little blessing. It all happened so fast and quick that I lost my mind in the process but I never lost my faith no matter what the doctors or nurses said to me. It also helped to have my loving husband and family and friends by my side through my difficult time.
Up2here says
That is great that you were surrounded by love and support. Please post an updated picture at Christmas.
Desire says
I will definetly post a updated picture and send it in I will love to share her growth as she gets more healthier and stronger. I might have a site up soon that reflects her life stay tuned
Rhonda says
THANK YOU for sharing your story. Its wonderful to read the blessings and not that drama! Many blessings to your baby girl.
Desire says
Thank you so much for your kind words. I will have to agree with you it is better to hear and see more amazing stories then to hear or see see sad or heartbreaking ones.
Cindy says
This is an amazing story, it gave me chills reading it. Im so happy ur baby made it and is healthy. God bless and I pray she has a wonderful healthy life. :)
Desire says
Thank you very much for reading my story. It makes me feel great to know I can share my story with others