We are proud to serve women and babies in Leon and Wakulla counties. Throughout our area mothers need a variety of support and services to help ensure a healthy baby and safe pregnancy.
A recent success story comes from one of our dedicated and talented care coordinators, CaShanda, as she worked with a first time mother.
The mother enrolled into the Healthy Start program at 13 weeks gestation with an estimated due date of December 13, 2021. As a 23 year old, full-time employee, our client was told early on in her pregnancy that she had an incompetent cervix, which would require her to need a cerclage. Two weeks after having the cerclage, her water broke and she was placed on bed rest for approximately one week before she started having contractions. She was admitted into the hospital the next day.
Her son was delivered on September 14, 2021 at 22 weeks. He weighed just 1lb., 3.5 oz.
The baby was considered as a micro preemie with a 2% chance to live. Five days after being placed in the NICU, the baby was transferred to Shands, due to his stomach being bloated. While in the NICU at Shands, the baby underwent four surgeries and he survived them all.
Healthy Start Care Coordinator, CaShanda, provided the new mom with emotional support to help keep her encouraged while going through such a difficult time. While working with her client, CaShanda encouraged her to eat to keep her strength up and take breaks for self-care as well as provided education about being in the NICU and how to strengthen the bond between the mother and her son.
The baby was released from Shands on February 21, 2022, is now seven months old. Due to her success with Healthy Start, the mom enrolled her infant into the program and CaShanda continues to provide on-going services.
Capital Area Healthy Start is honored to share this success story and more as we serve local families. To learn more about our services and discover your path to a healthy pregnancy, click here.
