#RallyForRaegan
Donation protected
For those of you who don't know, #SweetBabyRae made her premie debut into the world at 6:09am on 8/28/17, with Kaitee's pregnancy lasting only a mere 35 weeks and 3 days. She wanted to make sure everyone knew that she was going to be special, and special she is!
At 33 weeks and some change, Kaitee was admitted with high blood pressure and tested positive for preterm labor. She and Jeff knew the goal was to keep her BP down so Raegan could do some more baking. Unfortunately, during her 34 week ultrasound, it was discovered that Kaitee had excess amniotic fluid building up (known as polyhydramnios) and that Baby Raegan had a distended belly, likely caused by a bowel obstruction. However, the goal hadn't changed: keep Kaitee's blood pressure down, monitor Sweet Baby Rae's heartbeat and stats, and keep that bun in the oven!
On 8/27, Kaitee and Jeff had a discussion with Dr. Crisp to schedule a c-section at week 36, buying Baby Rae some time to develop, but also relieving Kaitee's discomfort, as the amniotic fluid just kept building up. Dr. Crisp however was pleased with Kaitee's BP and her progress so far, and he wanted to aim for week 37.
As you all know, Raegan Renee had other plans. With Kaitee's blood pressure not decreasing and her blood work coming back somewhat worrisome, Dr. Crisp changed his mind and made the professional decision that it was no longer beneficial to Mom or Baby to continue the pregnancy. And so, we were all blessed with Raegan Renee Rehkopf!
And now, the reason I am telling you all this...if you know Kaitee & Jeff, you know they are the last people to ask for help. However, with their permission, I am asking for them. Raegan was transferred to Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara just hours after her birth. Jeffrey was able to accompany Sweet Baby Rae, while Kaitee has to stay at Marian to recover.
Raegan will have to undergo surgery later this week, and then have a week or more recovery time. Santa Barbara is 70 miles from Jeff and Kaitee's home and gas money, lodging to be close to their baby girl, and meals away from home are just some expenses that they will have to endure to provide a comforting environment for Baby Rae.
I would like to ask that anyone who could spare some change, do so with a loving heart. Even the littlest bit can help make a difference in this young family's life as they are adjusting to new life as parents.
"Though she be but little, she is fierce!"
At 33 weeks and some change, Kaitee was admitted with high blood pressure and tested positive for preterm labor. She and Jeff knew the goal was to keep her BP down so Raegan could do some more baking. Unfortunately, during her 34 week ultrasound, it was discovered that Kaitee had excess amniotic fluid building up (known as polyhydramnios) and that Baby Raegan had a distended belly, likely caused by a bowel obstruction. However, the goal hadn't changed: keep Kaitee's blood pressure down, monitor Sweet Baby Rae's heartbeat and stats, and keep that bun in the oven!
On 8/27, Kaitee and Jeff had a discussion with Dr. Crisp to schedule a c-section at week 36, buying Baby Rae some time to develop, but also relieving Kaitee's discomfort, as the amniotic fluid just kept building up. Dr. Crisp however was pleased with Kaitee's BP and her progress so far, and he wanted to aim for week 37.
As you all know, Raegan Renee had other plans. With Kaitee's blood pressure not decreasing and her blood work coming back somewhat worrisome, Dr. Crisp changed his mind and made the professional decision that it was no longer beneficial to Mom or Baby to continue the pregnancy. And so, we were all blessed with Raegan Renee Rehkopf!
And now, the reason I am telling you all this...if you know Kaitee & Jeff, you know they are the last people to ask for help. However, with their permission, I am asking for them. Raegan was transferred to Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara just hours after her birth. Jeffrey was able to accompany Sweet Baby Rae, while Kaitee has to stay at Marian to recover.
Raegan will have to undergo surgery later this week, and then have a week or more recovery time. Santa Barbara is 70 miles from Jeff and Kaitee's home and gas money, lodging to be close to their baby girl, and meals away from home are just some expenses that they will have to endure to provide a comforting environment for Baby Rae.
I would like to ask that anyone who could spare some change, do so with a loving heart. Even the littlest bit can help make a difference in this young family's life as they are adjusting to new life as parents.
"Though she be but little, she is fierce!"
Organizer and beneficiary
Kaitlyn Walker
Organizer
Santa Maria, CA
Kaitee Rehkopf
Beneficiary
