This morning, I took a trip down to OKC to OU Children's hospital to visit a mama and her new baby in the NICU. I wanted to feature these two to end World Breastfeeding Week.
Baby Clara wasn't supposed to come Earth side until beginning of September, but Megan's water broke at 29 weeks. Her and Clara were admitted to OU Children's Hospital and luckily, Clara was able to grow a little while longer before she was born.
Megan delivered miss Clara at 32 weeks 6 days. Clara was born on her great grandpa's 78th birthday. God knew just how long to have baby girl wait. She came six weeks before her due date. Luckily, baby girl was pretty healthy. She just needed to grow. This is where these two beautiful ladies fit in to World Breastfeeding Week.
I don't know how many of you know, but premie babies usually have a hard time nursing because most lack a strong suck reflex. Babies usually develop that in the last few weeks of pregnancy. And sometimes their mouths are just too small. Well little miss Clara (at just over two weeks old) is a rock star nurser. I was so impressed with how well she nursed. It truly was a blessing to witness.
I asked Megan if I could come down to OKC and take some photos of her and Clara to feature on my blog, and I'm so very glad she said yes. These types of photos sessions are my absolute favorite. Getting to be a small part of someone's story is just beautiful.
Clara was born weighing 4lbs 9oz. She now weighs a whopping 5 lbs. She was still so very tiny though.
I am just so in awe of what this mama has had to endure over the past 6 weeks. It is a very scary time when a pregnancy gets cut short, I know first hand. This mama has been so strong. Her perseverance to nurse her baby is extremely inspiring. I hope her story can inspire someone else.
birth story of my fourth baby - Arlo Michael