Lev Beorn Roeters-Wilcox

Up until the last moments of delivery, the baby was healthy. Frequent ultrasounds, non-stress tests and biophysical profiles indicated no problems and a totally healthy happy baby. He took some prompting to be delivered so Amber was induced at 42 weeks, at Trios on Friday the 24th. The hours in which Amber was in labour, the baby was still doing fine and had no problems. On Sunday morning when it was time to push, the baby suddenly experienced severe deceleration in his heartrate and appeared to be undergoing stress. After not being able to detect any heartrate, Amber was rushed to the OR for an emergency c-section. It was a traumatic moment for both Amber and Tjesse, as it was very unexpected. In the OR the doctors were able to detect a heartrate and rushed to deliver the baby, who was then born at 6:33 am. The severe stress during this time caused the baby to breathe a lot of meconium and resulted in a momentary lapse of oxygen to the brain. He was resuscitated right there by the wonderful team of doctors and nurses. After stabilizing him in the next few hours, he was airlifted with Tjesse to the NICU in Spokane, at Sacred Heart, where he could be treated. Amber had to stay behind until she was recovered enough to safely make the trip.

He has severe damage to his lungs, but after a week of hospitalization preliminary tests show no damage to the brain. The doctors and his parents are hopeful that he will make a full recovery, though it may take a long time.

Lev Beorn Roeters-Wilcox has already shown to be a resilient, strong and brave little 10 pound baby boy.
 
Over a long 42 weeks and 3 days, Amber and Tjesse had time to emotionally and financially prepare for their little miracle. However, nothing can prepare parents for the sudden devastation of being separated from their newborn right after birth. Nothing prepares a new mother for a drastic diversion from her birth plan to an emergency C section and her baby being rushed away to another hospital in an entirely different city, while she stays behind with fear and so many unknowns. Nothing can prepare for the financial devastation of both parents needing to be off work for an extended period or  the impending NICU bills.

If you feel moved to help this wonderful family financially, your donation is super appreciated. If you would prefer to send encouraging cards, gift cards, etc. via snail mail, please contact Laci Peot or Tiffany Owona for mailing information. Most importantly, continue to send positive healing vibes Lev's way!