The Reed Family

My baby, Akeem, was born at 24 weeks and 4 days, weighing only 1 pound and 4 ounces. I went into labor early, having to undergo an emergency c-section, because I had severe preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome, both of which can cause premature labor.

Akeem was in the hospital for close to seven months in the NICU and I stayed in the Ronald McDonald House for 203 days, the longest family stay ever for the Savannah House. My son had three surgeries and was on and off the breathing tube. Because of him having the breathing tube in and out they told me he’d most likely need a tracheotomy. But I kept praying and talking to my son. I said that my baby will not come home with a trach because I knew that he was strong and that everything will get better.

I cried all the time. I was scared. But I always told my baby that it was going to be okay and that I was there for him. It was the most traumatizing time I’ve experienced in my life. I kept thinking “why my baby?”. I had to remain positive, and I just really wanted him to know that I was going to be there for him no matter what. He had his first bottle of milk at 121 days old. And I can say that I’m truly proud of him and I love him with everything in me. I am a proud mama!