We are overwhelmed by all the support, thoughts, and prayers coming in from friends, family, and even complete strangers. Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions regarding Estelle James Hughey.
Q: How early did she arrive?
A: Estelle was born at 34 weeks and 4 days.
She was born at about 34 and a half weeks, which is about 5 and half weeks early. This makes her a pre-term baby. Her due date was February 22, 2019.
Q: How was she delivered?
A: She was a standard delivery, not a C-section.
Despite the fact that I had a standard delivery, I still delivered in an Operation Room. This is standard for pre-term deliveries, so that the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit doctor’s can be available to immediately take the baby for care if needed.
Q: How big was Estelle when she was born?
A: She was 4 lbs 10 oz and 18 inches long.
She was much larger than we anticipated based on how early she came. While she is very tiny, she looks more like a very small full term baby. Plus, her arms and legs are forever long.
Q: When were you discharged and did Estelle come home with you?
A: I discharged after the standard 2 days and Estelle stayed at Woman’s Hospital in the NICU unit.
While it was very difficult to leave our sweet baby at the hospital, we know this is what she needs to be the healthiest baby possible. There is no specific timeline for when she will be discharged; it is all based on specific stats and measurements surrounding her breathing, feeding, weight, and temperature. It could be anywhere from a few weeks to months. They usually shoot for releasing before or near the baby’s due date (February 22).
Q: What are all the tubes for and when will they be removed?
A: They all serve different functions and are adjusted based on her needs.
We know the tubes look scary, but rest assured they are all working hard to get Estelle to healthy levels so she can come home. They are not harming her and we have been assured they are not hurting her. These tubes change day-to-day and we will update you on them, but to start with she had a breathing tube, IV, feeding tube, and wires measuring her temperature and heart rate.
Q: How often can you see Estelle?
A: As her parents, the NICU allows us to be here 24 hours a day.
The NICU at Woman’s Hospital allows us to be here whenever we want. We have a private room with a chair and couch that pull out into a bed. We are able to hold her (unless she is undergoing something specific like being treated for Jaundice with a light), help bath her, change her diaper, etc.
Q: How often can Estelle have visitors?
A: Technically, the NICU at Woman’s Hospital allows visitors every day from 9 am to 9 pm with a parent present.
While the NICU allows visitors, right now we are asking our friends and families to let us spend time with her alone. We are still adjusting to this life and so is Estelle. Day-to-day we aren’t sure what she will be treated for and it’s hard to promise each guest what they will be walking into. We will be sure to let everyone know as soon as we think it’s a good time for guests.
Q: What can we do to help?
A: Keep us in your thoughts.
Having a baby is overwhelming in the base case, but having a baby that is in the NICU has been quite the adjustment to what we were expecting. While she is still in the hospital, there isn’t much we need from everyone other than your good vibes. We were fairly prepared at home before she arrived, so most of our ducks are in order. When we get home with our sweet girl, we would love to have visitors and help.
