When Meuni became pregnant for the first time, she knew there would be some unknowns about what to expect, but nothing could prepare her for what would happen early on.
Meuni was only halfway through her pregnancy when she was rushed to the IWK for a procedure to try to save her unborn baby. She was beginning to dilate and had a high risk of having a miscarriage, premature birth and a baby born with life-threatening complications.
It was a terrifying time for her and her husband, Dulendra.
The procedure went well, and she was placed on bed rest at home. Unfortunately, she started to dilate again and was admitted to the IWK. At 24 weeks pregnant, test results showed that Meuni had an infection and treatment while pregnant could cause serious risks to her baby.
Meuni and Dulendra’s greatest fear became a reality when they had to deliver their baby four months early. Their precious baby girl, Methuli, weighed just 1 pound 9 ounces. She was quickly transferred to the IWK’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Methuli was very sick. Her lungs were not yet fully developed, so she was intubated and put on a ventilator to help her breathe. She was also placed in an incubator to help protect her and relied on a CO2 monitor to measure her blood’s CO2 (carbon dioxide) levels to protect her brain and lungs.
“I wouldn’t want anybody to be in this situation, but the level of care that the IWK provides is amazing,” says Meuni. “They want to make sure everybody gets the very best.”
Methuli is growing stronger every day. She’s been in the NICU since she was born in August. But her family hopes to go home before the end of the year.
“I feel excited to go home,” says Meuni. “A group of family members is waiting to meet and celebrate her.”
With your support, we can ensure that families who need and rely on the IWK can access the highest level of care that all Maritimers deserve. Please make a gift today to show your support.
